Pencemaran Jangka Panjang Belenggu Penduduk

LONG-TERM POLLUTION PLAGUES RESIDENTS

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ENVIRONMENTALIST group Sahabat Alam Malaysia is urging the Department of Environment and Manjung Municipal Council to investigate a factory in Kampung Batu 19, Ayer Tawar in Manjung.

Sahabat Alam Malaysia President S.M. Mohamed Idris says the factory is believed to be a long-time cause of air pollution and infestation of flies, which poses health risks to more than 1,000 residents living nearby.

“Due to prolonged exposure to these problems, we are worried for their health. The affected residents who have been suffering from these problems for more than 15 years had lodged complaints several times but to no avail.

“Stringent action must be taken under the Environmental Quality Act 1974 if the factory is found to have breached regulations,” he said.

Mohamed is also calling upon the Department of Irrigation and Drainage, Health Department and the Veterinary Services Department to conduct surveillance in the area to ensure that the situation is under control and the area is free from environmental pollution.

Mohamed said that Sahabat Alam Malaysia had conducted its own survey and found that in addition to the villagers, residents of Taman Iswara and Ladang Bilham nearby are also plagued by fly infestations and air pollution.

“The flies not only infest the houses, but also the food outlets and vegetable stalls in this area. The residents here tell us that the glove factory operates around the clock and it releases thick smoke at night.

“When this happens, the residents have breathing difficulties. They are worried that the thick smoke engulfing the area is poisonous and harmful to health,” he said.

Mohamed also said the Sahabat Alam Malaysia was informed that there were occasions where fish had been found dead in the drains near the factory. The fish die-off is believed to have been caused by liquid waste discharged by the factory.