Illegal mining project polluted river water, say Hulu Kinta farmers

IPOH: Farmers at Changkat Kinding in Tanjung Rambutan near here are claiming that an illegal kaolin mining project has polluted the water from the Kinding River.

Persatuan Usahawan Agro Kampung Kolam chairman Abdul Aziz Abdul Manaf said the mining activity, believed to have started about a month ago and has since stopped, had caused the river to become murky.

“We have seen heavy machinery, including excavators, entering the area and conducting clearing near the river to dig out the kaolin.

“Trees and soil have fallen into the river causing it to become murky," he said during a press conference organised by Hulu Kinta assemblyman Muhammad Arafat Varisai Mahamad near the alleged mining area here on Thursday (Sept 30).

"The water from the river is used for our farms.

"We have to constantly monitor the water and would close off the pipes whenever it rains to prevent it from clogging up," he added.

Abdul Aziz said the mining activity had affected about 15 farmers working in the 20ha area.

“The farms here are recognised as among the best in the state and we are part of the food security system in Perak.

"Should the activity continue, it will definitely affect our produce and the state's food security," he said.

“The machines are no longer around, hopefully for good,” he added.

Changkat Kinding New Village chief Wong Chi Siang said he was shocked to learn about the mining activity.

“A few weeks ago, the farmers had informed me about it but I thought it wouldn’t be as big as this since the road here is quite small.

“I visited the area and was disappointed to see the scale of the mining activity," he said.

"There are no signboards indicating any mining activities, so I do not understand how this is even possible.

“Many of the villagers here rely on the river to earn a living, and many will be affected," he added.

Arafat said he will write to Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Saarani Mohamad to take action on the matter.

“Based on my first visit in the area last week, there was no signboard at all and I suspect that this could be an illegal project.

“Not only has this project affected the farmers, it has also destroyed the eco-system of the area," he said.

“Together with Sahabat Alam Malaysia, we will visit more places in Hulu Kinta to see if there are any more similar activities happening,” he added.