2,000 Residents in Chuping Suffer from Dust Pollution

Around 2,000 people residing near a cement plant in Chuping, Perlis are affected by dust pollution from quarry rock blasting and breaking, and cement processing factory here.

The problem that has continued for more than 30 years has affected residents in Kampung Binjal, Kampung Balik Bukit, Taman Perumahan 20 and Taman Perumahan 21. The condition is very serious during the dry season and windy weather affecting people who stay further from here.

A survey conducted by the Consumers’ Association of Penang (CAP) found that besides the villagers and residents in the housing estates, the dust pollution also affects traders and road users in this area.

Thick dust from the quarry and cement plant here also defiles houses, furniture, clothes and other belongings including contaminating food and various types of crops planted by the residents.

Health of the people here is also affected. Some of the residents here suffer from sore eyes, irritation, cough and asthma.

CAP is upset that although the environment and life of people in this area have been threatened for a long time but until now no effective action has been taken by the authorities to solve it. CAP is worried and believes that if this problem is unheeded, the health, economy and environmental impacts will worsen.

Hence CAP urges the Perlis state government, Kangar Municipal Council and the Department of Environment to conduct an investigation and take immediate action to address this problem. CAP also requests the Health Department to monitor and do regular medical examination of the affected residents here.

In addition, CAP views that a survey and assessment of the damage to property and dwindling income of local traders must be conducted. Adequate compensation should be given to those who have suffered losses from the effects of this pollution.

Press Statement, 8 March 2016