Resolve pollution problem in Bukit Ijok Immediately

CAP urges the Kedah State government and the Baling District Council (MDB) to take immediate action to address pollution problems faced by about 200 residents in Bukit Ijok, Mukim Pulai, Baling District.

Our recent survey found that the pollution problem arises from a waste landfill in that area. Leachate from the landfill is polluting the river here and emanating bad odour, besides killing livestock and crops belonging to the local residents.

During the rainy season, leachate from the landfill flows into the river, making the river water black in colour, noxious and malodorous. Fish in the rivers are becoming extinct due to the pollution whilst animals such as ducks have been found dead after drinking the polluted river water.

Fruit trees cultivated by the residents here have also died due to the pollution. People who come in contact with the contaminated river water suffer from itchy skin. In times of drought the area is infested with flies, compounding the problems faced by the residents in the surrounding area.

CAP is very concerned of the problem faced by the residents here and fears that their health and well-being will be seriously threatened if the problem is not resolved soon. They will not only suffer more losses due to the death of livestock and crop destruction, but more serious health problems may arise due to the hazardous nature of landfill leachate.

In view of this we urge the Department of Environment (DOE), Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID), Department of Agriculture and the Department of Health to investigate the pollution problem here and take immediate action to address the problem.  The responsible party operating the landfill here must take measures to manage it properly so as not to pollute the environment.

The State Government and Local Authority should also review the suitability of the location of the landfill and relocate if necessary. The residents who suffered losses and whose livelihoods were affected by the pollution must be adequately compensated.

Press Statement, 10 July 2012