UNTREATED chicken manure allegedly from local farms has triggered a fly outbreak and foul odour, disrupting life for more than 400 villagers in the Gopeng area since early last year.
Changkat Tualang/Redang Sawa Village Development and Security Committee (JPKK) chairman Ahmad Kazimi Ibrahim said the problem had worsened over the past three months in the villages of Changkat Tualang, Redang Sawa, Changkat Legong and Kota Bharu.
He said agricultural land covering about 40ha and surrounding the four villages was used to grow cash crops such as corn and sweet potatoes.
“Initially the problem was not too severe, but over the past months, lorries have frequently entered the area to deliver chicken manure fertiliser.
“We believe the increase in flies is linked to operators preparing land for new crops using the fertiliser,” he said at Kampung Redang Sawa, as reported by Bernama.
Ahmad Kazimi said the infestation had disrupted residents’ lives, affected cleanliness and raised concerns about health.
“Flies are everywhere, morning, afternoon and night, disrupting residents’ sleep and mealtimes.
“Food is quickly swarmed, and flies fall into pans even while people cook,” he said.
Unsuccessful talks between village representatives and some farm operators have prompted residents to seek government intervention.
For food vendor Osman Sharif, the persistent fly problem has threatened his livelihood.
“Previously, many visitors from outside would stop by to eat, but now most decide not to after seeing the premises swarming with flies.”
Perak communications, multimedia and NGO committee chairman Mohd Azlan Helmi said the state Agriculture Department would conduct a detailed census to identify the operators and crops cultivated at the site, as well as check compliance with fertiliser management standards.
