CAP AND RESIDENTS OBJECT TO POLLUTION FROM PLASTIC WASTE RECYCLING PLANTS IN SUNGAI PETANI,KEDAH.

The Consumers’ Association of Penang (CAP) and residents staying near the industrial areas in Sungai Petani, Kuala Muda District in the state of Kedah object to the operations of plastic waste recycling factories including illegal recycling plants for causing serious air pollution here from a year ago.

Following the complaint lodged by the community representatives, CAP has sent a letter with 3,298 signatures of residents petitioning the Minister of Energy, Science, Technology, Environment and Climate Change YB Yeo Bee Yin to take immediate action to address the pollution problem in this township. 

Among the areas and housing estates affected by the pollution are Bandar Seri Astana, Taman Ria Jaya, Taman Petani Jaya, Taman Sejahtera, Taman Berangan, Taman Seri Wang, Taman Intan, Taman Nilam, Taman Seraya, Cinta Sayang Resort Homes, Resort Villas and Taman Keladi.

In a survey conducted by CAP with the Sungai Petani Environmental Action Association, we learned that the pollution has been reported to the Department of Environment (DOE) and Sungai Petani Municipal Council (MPSPK).  The communities had also carried out peaceful protests  but to date no effective action was taken by the relevant parties to curb the pollution.

The air pollution not only causes discomfort among the population here. Many are suffering from respiratory problems, cough, breathing difficulties, eye irritation and skin itchiness. The situation is becoming serious as plastic waste factory operators who also process imported waste regularly operate at night, some reportedly burning waste at illegal dumpsites in the area.

CAP is very disappointed with the situation here because it not only violates the Environmental Quality Act 1974 by causing environmental pollution but also threatening public health. The pollution problem will worsen in the future if the responsible party continues to look lightly on these complaints. 

CAP finds that government has failed to effectively address the issue of dumping of imported plastic wastes and environmental pollution attributed to the plastic waste recycling industry. We hereby call on the Department of Solid Waste Management to cancel Approved Permits issued  to plastic recycling companies to import plastic waste.

Media  Statement, 19 June 2019