Elderly man’s composting habit too much for neighbours to bear

Sixteen large bins filled with foul-smelling compost has Section 22, Petaling Jaya residents at their wits’ end.

THE composting habit of one resident has led to odour pollution in Section 22, Petaling Jaya and is upsetting neighbours.

Despite complaints lodged by Section 22 Residents Association (S22RA) with Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ), the resident is still actively composting food waste.

Section 22 RA chairman Parimala Nesamany said the city council was aware of the problem but had been slow to take action.

“The neighbour is in his late 70s. The compost are left in 16 large drums which sit in his garden facing other houses.

“There is a foul smell coming from the bins and this has affected the quality of life for residents here.

“The smell is carried by the wind so it affects everyone,” she said, adding that the compost smelled like sewage.

A neighbour, who wished to remain anonymous, said his house windows were shut all the time and the family was unable to dry their clothes outside due to the bad smell.

“The smell is terrible. Is it safe for people to inhale this? It is clearly odour pollution,” said the neighbour.

Parimala said the neighbour had no empathy for other residents.

“Even SS1 residents have complained of the smell. Composting work is actively done in the evenings. The problem gets worse during late evenings,” said Parimala.

Another neighbour, who did not want to be named, was worried for his grandson who was suffering from cancer and was putting up with the smell.

“Why can’t people be more considerate of their neighbours’ well-being?

“The authorities must take proactive steps to stop this nuisance. Why is MBPJ slow to act over this issue?

“We are left with no choice but to maybe approach the Environment Department next,” said the neighbour.

Petaling Jaya mayor Mohamad Azhan Md Amir said he would look into the problem.