The lives of 38 families in a village in Batu Kawan, Seberang Perai Selatan are now in danger as cracks emerge on their homes due to nearby quarry work, said the Consumers Association of Penang (CAP).

Eight houses in the village at Kg Masjid had developed cracks due to blasting of rocks at the quarry, said the Penang-based NGO.

CAP president SM Mohd Idris said the problem affecting the 200 residents has persisted for more than five years and has become more serious in recent months. 

"Our field investigation found that besides the damage to the houses, the residents here are also threatened by dust pollution, soil erosion and suffer losses because of crop damage due to the quarry activities," Idris said in a press conference today.

"Safety issues are also a concern to the residents here because the quarry operator does not give a warning notice to blast the rock.

"Speeding trucks transporting rocks could also threaten the safety of the students in the area".

Idris said CAP received complaints from the affected residents that the quarry carries out blasting work two or three times in a month. 

The explosion in the quarry creates tumult and tremor in the village, he added.

During the blasting, not only does dust engulf the air in the village but "rain of sand" also falls on the roof of their houses, Idris stressed.

"Many people here, especially children suffer from skin itchiness due to the dust pollution.

"Food, clothing and furniture in the house, including food stalls in the village are contaminated by dust," Idris pointed out.

'Penalise them'

Idris urged the Penang government to take the appropriate action against the errant quarry owner.

He also urged the Penang Development Corporation (PDC), the State Land and Mines Office, the Department of Environment (DOE) and the Seberang Perai Municipal Council (MPSP) to solve the problem immediately.

He expressed concern that no action had been taken although the issue was brought to the attention of the state government and the relevant authorities in the past.

"If the problem is not resolved, not only will the environment be seriously threatened but also the health and safety of local residents will be adversely affected," Idris ( left ) said.

"Legal action and hefty penalties should be imposed on the quarry operator if found guilty of violating regulations stipulated under the relevant law.

"It is hoped that residents whose health have been affected and suffered losses due to damage to their houses and crops will be given fair compensation so that they can continue to lead their lives comfortably," he stressed.

Quarry needs to comply

When contacted, Bukit Tambun assemblyperson Law Choo Kiang said he has contacted the State Land and Mines Department and MPSP to inquire if the quarry operations comply with the proper regulations.

"If the quarry operator does not comply with regulations, the authorities should enforce the law and issue a stop order immediately," he said.

Law said quarry activities need the prior approval of the state land and mines office and local authorities before work starts.

"Even if the quarry has fulfilled all the requirements but it still causes problems to the local residents, the relevant parties should discuss the matter with the resident on how to avoid future problems and they should be provided with fair compensation," he added.

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