All kinds of rubbish, including furniture, spotted at KM33 of Jalan Muar-Bukit Kepong in Muar.
FOR close to a decade, KM33 of Jalan Muar-Bukit Kepong in Muar has become a dumpsite with piles of rubbish strewn along the road.
Smallholder Bhagwan Singh, who owns a piece of land in the area, said apart from dumping waste, irresponsible parties also resort to burning rubbish, causing air pollution.
“This problem has been going on for years and it is getting worse every year,” he told StarMetro.
“The dumpsite attracts all kinds of animals, including rats and monkeys.”
Bhagwan said there were also two educational facilities nearby – a religious school and vocational college.
“There are several villages and Orang Asli settlements here and this rubbish problem will affect the residents’ health,” he said.
“Despite numerous complaints to Muar Municipal Council, the problem persists as people still throw rubbish here after the place is cleared up.”
About three years ago, Bhagwan said council officers put yellow tape around the area before clearing up the dumpsite.
“However, not long after that, more rubbish was dumped at the same spot so attempts to solve the problem were in vain,” he said, adding there were also a lack of bins, prompting people to throw rubbish at secluded and remote spots.
“We urge the authorities to take this matter seriously as it affects our health.”
Another smallholder, Kirat Sandhu, said he experienced a burst tyre after going over a nail while driving on the road.
“The road is narrow to begin with. As more rubbish is dumped, it becomes narrower.
“The rubbish includes nails and broken glass.
“It is common for people to experience flat tyres due to the sharp items discarded,” he said.
While there were efforts from the authorities and local community to clean up the area, Kirat said the problem persisted due to people’s lack of civic consciousness.
When contacted, Johor housing and local government committee chairman Datuk Mohd Jafni Md Shukor said the state government viewed the matter seriously and would carry out investigations.
“We also urge the public to take videos and photos of such incidents.
“Better still, capture the vehicle’s registration number when the person dumps rubbish.
“This will make it easier for us to take necessary action, including issuing summonses,” he said.
