KUALA SELANGOR: The 244 drums that caught fire and exploded at Kampung Tambak Jawa early this morning are believed to have contained discarded paint and solvents.
Selangor Department of Environment director Shafee Yasin said the findings was based on its preliminary investigations.
“We suspect that the chemical waste may be discarded paint and solvents. It is not hazardous but highly flammable,” said Shafee today.
Shafee said the department was alerted on the discovery of the drums by the Selangor Fire and Rescue Department.
Samples have been taken and sent to the Chemistry Department to be analysed, he added.
“A more indepth analysis will be carried out by the department to ascertain whether it is scheduled waste or otherwise. Once the report is out, it will be disposed of accordingly,” said Shafee.
He said several factories are believed to have owned the drums and that a probe is currently underway to identify the owners.
“Drum owners can be charged under Section 34B of the Environmental Quality Act 1974 for prohibition against placing scheduled waste. One is liable to a fine of up to RM500,000, imprisonment or both if found guilty.”