Island Glades Residents Strive for Clean Air and Safety

On 5 August 2024 a community meeting was held at Taman Kejiranan Karpal Singh, Island Glades, at 7.00 pm to address the pressing issues stemming from the ongoing highway development project near the Island Glades residential area. The highway construction work is for the by-pass from Ayer Itam to Lebuhraya Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu (package 2).

One of the major concerns raised by the residents here was the severe dust and noise pollution from the highway construction site. The residents have been subjected to continuous disturbances and had lodged numerous complaints. Littering by the construction workers, and the use of grinders to crush rocks, has exacerbated the situation.

The constant dust in the air has led to increased cases of breathing difficulties, with some elderly residents reporting chronic coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. These respiratory issues are particularly concerning as they can exacerbate conditions like asthma, bronchitis, and other chronic pulmonary diseases, leading to a significant decline in their quality of life.

The fine dust particles from the open-air rock crushing and other construction activities are also causing widespread skin problems among the elderly. Many have reported developing skin rashes, itchiness and other allergic reactions.

Heavy lorries and machinery frequently pass through the small residential roads, causing significant traffic delays and posing accident risks. Some lorries have broken down on the slopes, which is extremely dangerous and could lead to serious accidents. The incessant noise from machinery, rock crushing, and heavy vehicle movement also disrupts the community’s peace and daily routines.

The construction activities have also affected the wildlife in the area which resulted in increased risk of wild animal influx such as snakes into the residential area. Retiree Neo Swee Kee, 65 mentioned that he often has to wash his clothes and mop the floor numerous times daily due to the dust deposited on them.

Residents at Changkat Delima 1 were concerned about vibrations experienced at their houses during blasting of rocks at the construction site while the residents from Lorong Delima 17 informed that the covers on lorries carrying rocks and sand are torn and this causes large amounts of dust to blow all over the road and the houses.

The residents lamented that the contractors are not resolving the problems and concerns raised by them. Despite numerous calls and complaints with documented evidence submitted to the authorities and the local assemblywoman, no effective action was taken.

The inaction further compounds the residents’ frustration, as they feel ignored and unsupported by the authorities who should be protecting their interests. The contractor only temporarily addressed the pollution issue by sprinkling water on the roads and cleaning up litter. However, these actions were not maintained, and the problems quickly resurfaced. This indicates a superficial and temporary approach to problem-solving. The affected community want the authorities to take genuine effort to mitigate the major pollution and safety issues.

A major point of contention is the open-air rock crushing being conducted without any mitigation measure to minimise dust pollution. The developer has stated that the crushing machinery cannot be relocated because it requires a levelled ground. This refusal to consider alternatives demonstrates a lack of flexibility and an unwillingness to prioritise the health and well-being of the residents. By not taking necessary measures to cover or contain the dust, the developer is exacerbating the pollution problem.

The residents here are also concerned over the apparent absence of a supervisor at the construction site. They are worried that the workers are operating without proper guidance and monitoring, leading to unsupervised and potentially unsafe construction practices for both workers and residents.

The community has proposed mitigation measures to address the pollution issues. These include relocating the rock-crushing machine to a more suitable location, and conducting integrity and stability tests by experts to ensure safety.

One of the residents, GH Khoo, suggested covering the slopes to curb erosion and the spread of dust. She also highlighted the need for intervention by the Department of Environment on the dust pollution. Additionally, residents are calling for stricter monitoring and enforcement by the Department of Environment (DOE), Penang Infrastructure Corporation (PIC), and Penang Island City Council (MBPP). They also have requested for frequent updates on the construction progress, particularly regarding slope stability and underground streams.

They are also demanding official reports on dust monitoring data, disclosure of the equipment used for data collection, and proactive plans to address the pollution. The concerns raised by the residents of Island Glades emphasise the need for developers and the authorities to act responsibly. Besides the residents in Island Glades, CAP has also received similar complaints from other residents along the alignment of the bypass.