Ipoh folk seek relief from stinking situation


The sewerage treatment plant looks rundown while damaged underground pipes worsen the situation at Medan Klebang Prima, Ipoh. — Photos: RONNIE CHIN, MANJIT KAUR and courtesy of HAFEZ SABRI

FOR years, over 600 households in Medan Klebang Prima, Ipoh in Perak, have had to put up with a foul smell in their neighbourhood.

They believe it is due to a faulty sewerage system and to make matters worse, some residents cannot even flush their toilets properly.

Owners of the low-cost houses received their certificate of occupancy in 2006.

Manjoi assemblyman Hafez Sabri told StarMetro that the 614 units there were constructed by a Perak government-linked company.

He has been raising the issue at the state assembly sitting and has had discussions with departments and agencies involved to find a solution, but to no avail.

Hafez checking on Sungai Pari after the downpour in December.Hafez checking on Sungai Pari after the downpour in December.

Unbearable conditions

During a visit to the area with StarMetro, Hafez said the sewerage system was still managed by the developer.

Hafez has raised the plight of Medan Klebang Prima’s residents at the state assembly sitting.Hafez has raised the plight of Medan Klebang Prima’s residents at the state assembly sitting.“The developer’s maintenance works and repairs have failed to resolve the issue so far,” he noted.

Hafez said he had also brought the matter up at the District Development Action Committee meeting as well.

“After raising the issue at the state assembly, the developer’s representatives visited the site.

“I was told that the main issue is the high cost to replace the underground piping.

“So, until and unless this is done, the problem will persist.

“The sewerage treatment plant located in the residential area also does not seem to be functioning optimally.

“Vandals have broken into the facility and stolen parts containing iron. The fencing surrounding the plant has also been torn down,” he pointed out.

Hafez added that if the problem continued, the situation would only worsen.

The area’s Rukun Tetangga (RT) secretary Mohamad Sapariza Mohamed Seberi has been staying there for 11 years.

He said the unpleasant smell permeated the whole residential area, and the most affected were houses on Klebang Prima 4, 12 and 14.

The polluted retention pond at Medan Klebang Prima.The polluted retention pond at Medan Klebang Prima.

“The sewerage treatment plant looks rundown and the damaged underground pipes have worsened the situation.

“It takes about 30 minutes for discharge from the toilet bowl to be flushed away, leading to a foul odour and blockages.

“We need to think twice, especially during the morning and evening when more people are at home, whether to use the toilet or not.

“Sometimes when the toilets are not in a condition to be used, we have to go to the nearby surau or petrol station.”

Mohamad Sapariza said residents had lodged complaints with the relevant authorities and reported the issue to the developer, but there was no concrete solution yet.

“The actions so far have only been temporary, and the situation worsens and turns critical during school holidays and festive seasons,” he added.

Surau Al-Makruf imam Abdul Kadir Arshad, who has been a resident there for 17 years, said that when he was the RT chairman in 2010, he had sent letters to the National Water Services Commission (SPAN), but was told that the issue was under the jurisdiction of the developer.

“The developer, however, has been unable to resolve the problem which continues to this day.”

A nearby water retention pond is also polluted, as the sewage water enters the drainage system and ends up there, Abdul Kadir said.

“The water at the pond has turned black and the stench is unbearable,” he added.

More houses affected

A resident of 16 years, Raja Saiful Nizam Raja Kamallui Hasni said his house was affected about two months ago.

“Our sewerage system is blocked, and most mornings and evenings, the water flows slowly, which is frustrating.

“There are five of us staying in this house, so imagine when we are unable to flush.

“We need to wait for the water inside the toilet bowl to subside before the next person can use the toilet,” he said, adding that more and more houses were being affected.

When contacted, Perak infrastructure, energy, water and public transport committee chairman Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin said the matter had been brought to the attention of the state government.

He said repairing the underground pipes and treatment plant would cost a minimum of RM400,000.

“The state government via Ipoh City Council (MBI) has requested funds from the Housing and Local Government Ministry.

“We are still waiting for a reply from the ministry. During the state executive council meeting, instructions were given to the State Secretary to speak with the ministry’s secretary.

“If the ministry agrees to fork out the amount, that is well and good, otherwise the state government has to repair it,” he said.

He added that the sewerage treatment plant had yet to be handed over to Indah Water Konsoritum (IWK), due to these issues.

Traffic jam

The Manjoi state constituency also consists of areas such as Gugusan Manjoi, Chemor, Chepor, Klebang and Meru Raya.

Hafez said other complaints brought to his attention included traffic congestion at several stretches of Jalan Jelapang-Chemor, especially near the Home Ministry’s complex in Bandar Meru Raya and near SK Chepor.

He said the road would usually be congested after 6.30am and 5.30pm.

“The area near Meru Perdana 1 and 2 junction, Laluan Meru Prima, under the flyover near the complex, junction of Taman Jati heading towards Meru Raya as well as those heading towards Bandar Baru Klebang to the Klebang Prima Industrial area are especially affected.

Residents complain that Jalan Jelapang-Chemor is often congested during peak hours.Residents complain that Jalan Jelapang-Chemor is often congested during peak hours.

“I have raised this issue twice in the state assembly and suggested that police officers be assigned there during peak hours to help with traffic flow.

“The timing of the traffic lights should be adjusted according to the traffic flow during peak periods,” he said.

He also said that more lanes should be added as a long-term measure.

During the recent Perak state assembly sitting in December, Mohammad Nizar had said that he would jointly request the state Public Works Department (JKR) and MBI to study the possibility of widening the road and using smart traffic lights in the area.

Flooding woes

Hafez also highlighted the issue of flash floods whenever there was a downpour at Gugusan Manjoi.

He said the issue of Sungai Tapah and Sungai Pari overflowing due to cracked and damaged concrete riverbank structures was a major concern.

“This leads to water which has been pumped out overflowing back into residential areas.

“The cracks in the riverbanks are a significant concern, as they weaken the entire structure and make it more susceptible to failure during heavy rainfall.

“The inadequate drainage system in residential areas close to the river and the absence of proper drains or channels to guide the water flow causes it to accumulate and overflow into homes and streets.

“The current drainage or culvert design is not suitable, exacerbating flooding.

“The drainage system needs to be redesigned and take into consideration water volume, flow patterns and the topography,” he said.

Hafez said the riverbank’s width and length needed to be reassessed to ensure a more robust structure that can withstand overflow.

“Strengthening the embankment is crucial to prevent further damage and flooding in the area,” he added.

Residential areas particularly affected include Lorong Dato, Jalan Datin, Jalan Raja, Jalan Tok Ketua 5, Jalan Tok Ketua 7, Jalan Menteri and Jalan Syed Wafa.

Zaidi (right) has been noticing cracks on the concrete structures along riverbanks in Gugusan Manjoi.Zaidi (right) has been noticing cracks on the concrete structures along riverbanks in Gugusan Manjoi.

Non-governmental organisation Made in Manjoi chief Zaidi Ramli said that each time it rained heavily, he would check river levels, manage the water pump at Jalan Tok Ketua and identify damaged riverbanks.

“The cracks in the riverbank are worsening and water flow is becoming stronger, resulting in flooding, particularly around Jalan Tok Ketua and Kampung Tengku Hussein.

“The cracks have been present for some time now and immediate repairs need to be carried out to prevent a complete breakdown of the riverbank.

“Another concern is the accumulation of debris in the river, which impedes water flow.

“As rubbish builds up in the river, it exacerbates flooding and causes damage to the infrastructure, especially the floodgate,” he added.

Zaibedah showing the damaged door of her house due to flooding.Zaibedah showing the damaged door of her house due to flooding.

Flash flood victim Zaibedah Ibrahim, who lives on Jalan Raja, near Sungai Pari, said she had lost count of how many times her home had been flooded.

The food petty trader said the worst floods were in the beginning of December, where water was almost at waist level.

“I live alone and my only son works in Kuala Lumpur. Each time it floods, I have to spend several nights in my car.

“My furniture, washing machine and other electrical appliances have been destroyed,” she said, adding that the drainage system could not cope.

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!
Manjoi constituency , residents , sewerage , floods , housing ,

Next In Metro News

Trilingual tracks to resonate with locals
Tanjung Piai schools get AI e-book link
Seri Delima rep highlights collective work done in report card
Celebrating into the night
New road to Sibu airport causing traffic jam
‘Developers must give back to communities’
Tribunal dismisses claim against car workshop due to no-show
Better connectivity for Subang Jaya residents
Pickleball courts now feature at DBKL community halls
Putra Brand Awards 2024 honour engaging brands

Others Also Read