IPOH: The party believed to be behind the "black dust" incident in Tekkah, Taiping, is expected to be charged soon, says the Environment Department (DOE).
Its Perak director Datuk Dr Mohammad Ezanni Mat Salleh (pic) said the cause of the incident has been identified, with the relevant party to be charged at the Taiping courts.
However, he declined to elaborate to the media when met after opening an open burning prevention programme at Kampung Serdang Permai in Simpang Pulai here on Wednesday (Aug 27).
It has been reported that about 100 homes in Taman Tekkah Permai and Taman Tekkah Jaya were affected by the appearance of the black dust earlier this month.
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Separately, Ezanni said quarry operators will soon be required to water roads to control dust pollution in the Simpang Pulai industrial area.
He said the move is aimed at preventing dust from quarry activities from spreading into nearby communities.
"We will implement this measure as soon as possible to stop the dust from reaching homes, food stalls and local businesses,
"(Quarry operators) will be required to water the roads every one hour, using treated wastewater from sewage plants.
“This will cool the area and reduce dust levels.
"It is distressing to see residents and traders coping with so much dust. Those running eateries struggle because everything gets covered,” he added.
He also noted a decline in open burning cases in the state from last year, from over 1,000 complaints to 684 for the January to August period.
"Open burning usually occurs in residential areas. DOE is targeting local communities with awareness campaigns on the ban against open burning and its impact on both the environment and public health,” he added.
