‘Pinpoint cause of lingering stench in Ukay Heights’

Kukananthan: Residents fear the prolonged smell may be due to deliberate poisoning of wildlife.

A FOUL stench believed to be from decomposing wild boars is causing unease for Ukay Heights residents in Ampang, Selangor.

The smell has continued to linger even after one carcass was removed from a hillside drain on May 2.

Residents have been left wondering if this is a potential health hazard.

The reduced number of wild boars and monkeys, which were once common in the neighbourhood, also has them worried.

G. Kukananthan, 70, said the bad smell had persisted for the past four weeks.

“The constant, overpowering smell is troubling. We are worried that if left unchecked, it may affect our health.

“We are curious if wild animals are dying due to deliberate poisoning in the nearby jungle,” he said.

Resident Zariati Mallik, 60, said the smell was affecting residents’ daily life.

“We tried locating the source in our homes until one neighbour suggested, in our chat group, that it was coming from dead animals,” she said.

“We have reached out to the relevant authorities but nothing has been done to get rid of the smell,” she added.

Zariati had hoped that downpours would wash away the stench, but said this did not help.

Her husband Tarmizi Ismail, 65, said the problem was not confined to areas near their homes.

“Similar cases were reported across Ukay Heights, particularly along Jalan Tebrau, where residents also discovered decomposing animals,” he said.

“I have lodged reports with Ampang Jaya Municipal Council (MPAJ), and was directed to the Forestry Department which then referred me to Wildlife and National Parks Department (Perhilitan).

“The issue has persisted for more than four weeks, particularly in the Dataran Ukay area.”

Tarmizi’s neighbour, Chin Yee Hoe, 64, said he had noticed the stench closer to his house since May 13.

“We have been keeping our doors and windows shut,” he said.

“Prior to that, my wife and I only got a whiff of the stench when driving back to our house.”

Resident Kalsom Idris, 68, said proper tests should be carried out on the carcasses.

“There should be a necropsy done on the boars and residents should be informed of the findings,” she said.

In response to StarMetro’s questions, MPAJ said a dead wild boar was removed from Ukay Heights on May 2.

“MPAJ received complaints regarding foul smells in Ukay Heights and a contractor was despatched,” the local council spokesperson said.

“MPAJ has also referred the matter to the relevant agencies for further action, including Perhilitan as it involves wildlife management and public safety.”

When contacted, Selangor Perhilitan director Wan Mohd Adib Wan Mohd Yusoh confirmed that the department received six reports relating to wild boar carcasses in Ukay Heights – three from the public and three from MPAJ.

“The carcasses were discovered at two main locations – three in Jalan Tebrau 1 and another three in Dataran Ukay.

“The first complaint was received on April 28, and the latest on May 15.”

He said Perhilitan was investigating the animals’ death, and advised the public not to approach or touch wildlife carcasses.

“Residents are urged to report such findings directly to the authorities for prompt action.”