By Norrasyidah Arshad
SHAH ALAM, Oct 27 — Foreigners are believed to have started fires at illegal dumpsites in order to extract copper from wires collected.
Selangor Fire and Rescue Department director Norazam Khamis said the irresponsible act had resulted in open burning incidents that occur at least three times a month, which disturbs the local residents.
“For example in Bukit Kerayong, Kapar, we only managed to completely extinguish the fire yesterday after three days of burning and this is the third time this year.
“We believe they had burned the discarded cables to extract copper. It is possible that it (open burning) will happen again next month,” said Norazam to reporters after a sanitising operation at the Anggerik Mall Urban Transformation Center (UTC) here today.
He said based on checks, apart from Klang, the open fires also happen frequently in Cyberjaya, Puchong, Sepang and Hulu Langat.
“We are working closely with the local authorities and the Department of Environment to overcome this problem,” he added.