Resident mad - Garbage disposal projects

KAMPUNG Mohd Noor residents in Parit Sulong, Batu Pahat, are against the proposal to build a garbage disposal area near Bukit Payung.

Most of the villagers, who are farmers and fish breeders, are worried that their farmland will be affected and their health jeopardised should the large-scale disposal area be set up near their area.

Villager Rahmat Ali, 41, who is also the Village Safety and Development Committee member, said the villagers are not against any development but having a project too near their settlement will do more harm than good.

"Our income comes solely from agriculture. So, of course, we are worried about our livelihood if the area is to be built at Bukit Payung, which is too near our farms.

"Also, we are worried about its effect on the environment," he said.

At present,garbage in the village and other parts of Batu Pahat are sent to the disposal areas in Simpang Renggam, Kluang or Muar.

Because of the distance, many contractors appointed by the Batu Pahat Municipal Council aren't able to collect rubbish from every household as scheduled.

It is learnt that the project has been approved and awaiting the allocation from the federal government.

Another villager, Ahmad Sibun, 47, also a farmer, hoped the authorities would conduct a thorough study on the project.

"They must conduct an environmental study before commencing on the project.

"They must also ensure that the project will not pose any danger to our health and farming activities," he said.

By Sim Bak Heng