Selangor to Rehabilitate Closed Landfill, Turning Waste Site into Resource Recovery Hub

Selangor, Malaysia, is embarking on an ambitious project to reclaim and redevelop the Telok Kapas landfill in Klang, a site that has been closed for almost two decades. The state government plans to rehabilitate the approximately 32.4-hectare area, which contains waste buried up to 15 meters deep, with an estimated density of one metric ton per cubic meter.

The rehabilitation is deemed crucial due to the high land value in the area and the persistent problem of leachate, or waste seepage, which continues to pollute the Klang River. Traditionally, a 30-year moratorium is required before landfill sites can be reused, but Selangor views this period as excessively long for land reclamation.

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For a long time, we have tried to carry out rehabilitation (of the land), but faced problems because the cost was too high. How the method (will be) we will explore and utilize the place to solve the problem of water quality and waste.

Datuk Izham Hashim, the State Executive Councilor for Infrastructure and Agriculture, stated that previous rehabilitation attempts were hampered by high costs. The new approach will explore methods to treat the buried waste and utilize the site for resource recovery and management. This initiative is part of a broader effort to address waste management challenges and unlock the potential of closed landfills, whether officially sanctioned or otherwise.

The project involves a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between KDEB Waste Management Sdn. Bhd. (KDEBWM) and Landasan Lumayan Sdn. Bhd. (LLSB). The collaboration aims to transform the former landfill into a resource recovery facility and a controlled inert waste management center, guided by circular economy principles. KDEBWM's managing director noted that Selangor processes over 10,000 tons of domestic and bulk waste daily, with existing landfills filling up rapidly, underscoring the urgency of finding sustainable solutions beyond simple disposal.

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So, until when will we use Selangor's expensive land to be 'sacrificed' just for waste disposal, we cannot. We must ensure there is good education, understanding to reduce waste generation first.