MALACCA: A protected tropical mangrove swamp along the Bandar Hilir coastline here has been turned into a construction dumpsite by an irresponsible contractor since July.
Construction debris, weighing an estimated 30 tonnes, was strewn all around the diverse wetlands that is rich in biodiversity.
Members of public alerted officials from the Malacca Solid Waste and Public Cleansing Management Corporation (PPSPPA) which took over the management of solid waste in the state early this month.
PPSPPAs deputy director-general Zainuddin Abdul Samad said the debris could damage the eco-system of the mangrove swamp.
“We found the site based on information and preliminary findings showing the area has been turned into waste dump site by a contractor, probably since July,” he said.
Zainuddin said his team would conduct investigations based on provisions granted under Solid Waste and Public Cleansing Management Act 2007.
He added the discovery of the dumpsite would also be referred to Malacca Historical City Council and State River and Coastline Development Corporation.