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SAM wants action on pollution from recycling facilities in Penang

SAM wants action on pollution from recycling facilities in Penang
SAM wants action on pollution from recycling facilities in Penang

An environmental group has called on the Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP), Seberang Perai Selatan Land and District Office as well as other relevant authorities to take action on issues arising from processing activities at recycling and scrap collection facilities in Kampung Lima Kongsi, Sungai Bakap, Penang.

As a result of inaction from relevant authorities, Sahabat Alam Malaysia (SAM) said some residents have questioned the operating licences of such facilities in the area.

“What is the form of licence conditions contained in the guidelines for any premises related to the collection of recycled items, scrap material and scrap metal?

“In this regard, SAM urges all state authorities to be committed to conducting transparent monitoring and enforcement.

“If an investigation is carried out by the authorities and it finds that the premises are abusing the conditions, licences and permits, appropriate action must be taken,” the group said in a statement today.

SAM’s statement came after residents complained of air and noise pollution due to activities at the facilities - which is said to be located 50m to 100m away from a residential area.

“These activities sometimes last from 7am to 8pm every day and disturb the peace of the residents here, especially for children who are studying in online classes and so on.

“In addition to the noise, they also face the problem of dust and sand from vehicles that frequently pass through the main road.

“Heavy vehicles (lorries) also often enter and exit the premises. According to residents, it not only causes air pollution but also threatens the safety of residents when there are many vehicles - including heavy ones using the main road regularly," SAM said.

It added that residents are concerned they will develop health problems due to the pollution.

“The problem of dust is getting more serious in the dry season now and causing many homes to be covered in sand and dust.

“SAM was also informed that this activity was carried out on private land, however, we thought that it was inappropriate as it was very close to the populated area,” the environmental group said.