MBI’s Shameful ‘ZOPFAN’ A Big Let Down for Residents
At least four illegal companies and dumping grounds located along the foot of the hills in Rapat Setia Baru area are causing sleepless nights for residents. Although numerous verbal complaints have been made to MBI, the complaints have fallen on deaf ears. Residents here call these ‘black’ areas “MBI’s very own ZOPFAN”, the acronym for the Zone of Pollution, Fires and Noise.
Residents not only have to face constant dawn-till-dusk open burnings which create thick black smoke and vomit-creating smell but also noise from a toddy shop run illegally in a place meant for growing fruit trees (orchard).
Some of these illegal spots are within five to ten metres from the nearest houses. No one knows how these factories have been allowed to exist for more than thirty years in housing estates in the first place. MBI should take the relevant actions before these illegal outposts cause further damage both to the environment and residents.
Those residing in Taman Desa Rapat, Taman Pinggir Perdana, Taman Indah, Taman Harmoni or around Rapat Setia Baru know very well the culprits who do the open burnings or run the factories but they are helpless as countless verbal complaints to the MBI have gone unanswered. So, nowadays, the disappointed residents simply pray for the Almighty’s intervention as no one is willing to help them.
The only faithful Government department which responds to the residents’ cries is the Fire and Rescue Department which dispatches firemen and engines within 30 minutes of calls being made to put out the black smoke-emitting fires.
The MBI always has the excuse that the officers in charge of that area are busy or on leave. Calls to the enforcement chief’s office are always politely returned with typical “tuan sibuk dengan mesyuarat” or “tiada dalam bilik”.
The vast area at the entrance of the foot of the hills is a haven for lorry operators, carpenters and masons who are very fond of disposing of their garbage and work-related waste as and when they like as no enforcement officers are ever seen in this area.
This area, which has literally become a short-cut dumping ground for these irresponsible contractors, equally attracts not only rats and snakes but also a large number of drug addicts who burn through the rubbish to collect metal pieces and other valuable items. They burn tyres, wires, wooden items and plastic causing thick black smoke to spread to the whole area. One can imagine the pain being felt by the residents. They are quite often down with sinusitis, flu and chest pains as the air is polluted.
The children cannot play in the fields and those who have vegetable gardens cannot work in them because the smoke is unbearable and spread all over the area. People cannot even take any short, refreshing and peaceful naps in the afternoons nor watch television programmes peacefully because of the smoke. Even walking about is very much restricted.
Every morning car owners struggle to clean the thick soot which deposit on the cars. Housewives are greatly stressed out too. The floating dust settles on everything in the house. The presence of toddy shops are another nuisance.
How long should the residents suffer? How long will the illegal factory and farm owners adamantly staying put in those places continue to contaminate the environment and affect the residents’ health?
The residents have never seen or met any MBI enforcement officers or its councillor in the area.
When it comes to the collecting of assessment, the MBI is forever ready but when complaints are made, no one in the ‘corridors of power’ hears anything. It is a big shame for MBI which is always boasting to be the best in the country. Datuk Bandar should visit in person to see the area and talk to the frustrated residents. Will he do that? The residents are waiting.
A Disappointed
Resident
Category: Latest News, Letters
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Ipoh has its fair share of development. Housing estates are developing fast and the commmercial areas include in the package.
MBI already has an upheaval task of maintaining the existing areas under its jurisdiction. With new townships sprouting like mushroom in the rain, the maintenance function becomes more critical.
What is actually lacking in the MBI’s effort to be a very effective body? Is it because of manpower? Lackadaisical attitude of the operational staff? Lack of fund? Or maybe for the lack of enforcement?
However,easily said than done, I believe, in the current situation, lack of enforcement is the most contributing factor. But with a little effort, it is possible to stop a problem from going out of control. As the famous adage ‘a stitch in time, saves nine’. A quick, no nonsense action to catch and fine the culprits is a way to go. It is where it hurts most when money is involved. For a start, warning chits should be the norm, before the fines take precedents. I believe, the outcome, in the long run will save the MBI a lot of headaches in the future.
In new township, this is the place to ‘nip in the bud’ before its too late. I have seen a new and spanking modern commercial shoplot where the eatery premises backlane drain is already choking with food scraps and grease. It wont be long, before the neighbours will complain of foul stench and clogged sewers..