Kajang 2 township residents spy smoke at a distance, which they believe to be the cause of the acrid smell in the air.
RESIDENTS of Kajang 2 township in Selangor have raised concerns over an acrid smell in the air, which they believe to be the result of open burning activities nearby.
They worry that the air they breathe may be hazardous, potentially leading to long-term health implications, particularly for children and the elderly.
Naveen Nathesan, chairperson of Midori Kajang 2 Residents Association, said the open burning activities began several months ago and had been increasing in frequency.
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“Initially, the burning occurred only once in a while,” he said.
“Now it is mostly happening at night, and more frequently.
“We notice smoke at a distance and the foul odour is evident the moment we step outside our houses.
“The unpleasant smell lingers until the next morning.”
Naveen said several residents and associations, including those from Midori, Hiroki, Nadayu, and Tropicana Heights, had complained to Kajang Municipal Council (MPKj) and the Environment Department (DOE).
Despite these efforts, they claim the open burning continues unabated, he lamented.
“We urge the authorities to investigate the source of the burning smell,” he said.
“We want enforcement action against any parties found violating environmental regulations.
“We also want the authorities to be transparent on their findings and measures that will be taken against culprits polluting the air,” Naveen added.
Harjinder Singh, chairperson of Hiroki Kajang 2 Residents Association, echoed these concerns.
“Residents in our area are very worried about potential health hazards from the smoke.
“It smells like toxic fumes,” he said.
Parkfields Residences Tropicana Heights management corporation chairperson Gan Kok Beng voiced the need for swift action to curb air pollution in their neighbourhood.
MPKj Corporate and Community Development director Kamarul Izlan Sulaiman said an investigation was conducted on June 10 following residents’ complaints.
“Residents suspected a nearby factory to be conducting the open burning activities.
“However, investigations showed no signs of recent or past burning activity at the factory, which is involved in glass installation work with no melting or burning processes,” he said.
“An inspection of the workers’ quarters also revealed no evidence of burning,” said Kamarul.
When StarMetro checked with DOE on the matter, it was learnt that its Kajang division had investigated the complaint on the smoke and submitted a report to its headquarters for further action. — By VIJENTHI NAIR
