Residents of Taman Desa Murni, Sungai Dua want the local authority to address the garbage and the stench problem in the area.

Taman Desa Murni Residents Association chairperson Hussin Yunus said the problem has also affected the health of residents.

“This is not a new problem. Old tyres have been piled up on reserve land near the river for over two years. We have lodged complaints with the Seberang Perai Municipal Council (MPSP) but nothing was done.

“We are worried as the old tyres have become breeding grounds for Aedes mosquitoes. There were at least six dengue cases in the area last year.”

The old tyres had also become habitat for snakes and scorpions which had been known to enter the homes of several residents.

Hussin said waste from a cake factory conveniently discharged in the ditch created a stench, much to the discomfort of the residents.

“There are 400 houses in our housing area and another 2,000 houses nearby.  We can no longer stand the stench and want immediate action.”

A hardware plant operating in the area created noise and dust which caused  skin problems to the residents.

Sungai Dua state assemblyperson Muhamad Yusuff Mohd Noor who was present at the press conference said he would submit all the problems faced by the residents to MPSP.

“We view these problems seriously because they affect the health of the residents. We also fear that something worse will happen if no immediate action is taken.”

- Bernama