Residents report damage to over 30 houses, dust and noise pollution
RESIDENTS of several neighbourhoods in Ulu Chepor, Perak, are raising concerns over alleged quarry activities near their homes, claiming that frequent blasting and tremors have damaged their properties.
Out of some 500 households in the RPT Batu 10, Chepor Indah, and Kampung Hijrah neighbourhoods in Chemor, the residents estimated that 30 to 40 houses were affected.
They allege that the blasting has caused cracks on ceilings and walls, roof ridges falling off, severe dust pollution and soil erosion, sparking safety concerns.
Self-employed Harmizi Yaacob, who has lived in RPT Batu 10 since 2012, said cracks began appearing in his house around 2020.
“The cracks happened gradually and I only realised the extent of the damage last year.
“About 30% of my house, including the living room and dining area, is affected,” he told reporters during a site visit by Manjoi assemblyman Mohd Hafez Sabri.
Harmizi said the affected sections had been repaired twice, but the cracks kept reappearing.
“Blasting occurs a few times a month. When that happens, the tremors are very strong and we can really feel the shaking.”
Harun Aziz, who lives in Chepor Indah, just 200m from the quarry, said he had to endure constant noise and strong vibrations that disrupted his peace.
“Even when I am sleeping, I can feel every blast,” he said.
“Each time there is an explosion, the roof ridge vibrates and pieces of cement break and fall.
“I have had the roof repaired many times,” he added.
“During a recent incident in the late morning, my bed shook.
“When I checked, the cement at the roof ridge had broken off again,” said Harun.
The retiree said that escalating dust pollution forced residents to keep all doors and windows shut.
“We now keep the house shut up most of the time because the fine dust gets everywhere.
Zulkifli Md Salleh reported that a small stream behind his house in Kampung Hijrah had gradually widened into a “river” over the years. He believed it to be due to water runoff from the quarry site.
This has caused severe erosion and triggered the collapse of his fence, he claimed.
“I lodged a report with Ipoh City Council (MBI) but no action was taken.
“I was forced to fork out about RM15,000 to repair the affected area, only for the problem to recur this year.
“The erosion has become severe over the years,” said the Kampung Hijrah resident of over 15 years.
Zulkifli said he had a concrete retaining wall built behind his house to prevent the erosion from worsening, but even that site was affected, leaving large gaps and causing the ground to collapse further.
Journalist Rosli Mansor Ahmad Razali, who lives about 1km from the quarry site, also confirmed the intensity of the blasts.
He recalled an incident in May between 10am and 11am, when the tremor from a blast was particularly strong.
He has since noticed cracks on his bedroom ceiling, kitchen tiles and parts of his house exterior.
Following his site visit, Mohd Hafez said he was informed that the quarry activities had been going on for nearly 20 years.
“There are houses with cracks, collapsed ceilings and cases of land subsidence.
“Drainage structures have also been affected,” said Mohd Hafez.
He noted that residents reported blasting frequency had increased to two or three times a week this year.
The assemblyman said there was a need to determine whether the quarry project received approvals from the relevant authorities, and whether all conditions were complied with.
“I will contact the Minerals and Geoscience Department and the Perak Land and Mines Office (PTG) to identify the parties involved,” he said.
He added that the state government should review quarry blasting permits periodically and look into compensation for affected residents.
Mohd Hafez promised to raise the matter during the Perak State Assembly sitting if necessary.
Separately, Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad said the state government would direct PTG to initiate an immediate investigation into the root cause of the structural damage.
When contacted, state PTG director Datuk Mohamad Fariz Mohamad Hanip said a site
visit had already been carried out to reassess the quarry’s operations.
“The committee responsible for reviewing the operations will make several recommendations after obtaining the report and taking into account residents’ concerns,” Mohamad Fariz added.
