Coal dust a hazard for Melaka villagers

Compiled by C. ARUNO, FATIMAH ZAINAL and R. ARAVINTHAN

RESIDENTS of Kampung Balik Bukit Tanjung Kling in Melaka are forced to keep their doors and windows closed at all times due to severe air pollution, Sinar Harian reported.

At least 100 households are affected by the pollution caused by a coal factory at a nearby jetty, with villagers complaining that it dirtied the village and affected their health.

Resident Azman Mohd Yatim, 55, said he had long been patient but was worried about the health of his 17-year-old twins, who suffer from chronic asthma.

“We have to keep the windows and doors closed and sweep the floor often. Any laundry hung outside is coated in dust, ” he said.

Pantai Kundor assemblyman Datuk Nor Azman Hassan said he would meet with coal industry players and other parties to resolve the issue immediately.

> Actress Risteena Munim has hinted that her wedding to actor and singer Isa Khan may happen soon, Kosmo! reported.

The couple were recently spotted at the boutique of fashion designer Ezuwan Ismail.

Risteena, whose full name is Nur Risteena Munim Zainul Ilyas, 30, also uploaded a photo of them with Ezuwan on Instagram with the hashtags #countingdays and #weddingdress.

Risteena and Isa got engaged on Nov 23 last year in Bali, Indonesia.

The above articles are compiled from the vernacular newspapers (Bahasa Malaysia, Chinese and Tamil dailies). As such, stories are grouped according to the respective language/medium. Where a paragraph begins with a >, it denotes a separate news item.