NIBONG TEBAL: Residents residing round the smouldering peat fireplace at the Pulau Burung landfill are getting ready to evacuate to escape the stifling smoke.
Civil servant Muhamad Fauzi Ishak, 38, has been residing in Kampung Kebun Baru for greater than 30 years, however that is the first time he has been requested to evacuate due to the peat fireplace at the landfill located nearly 2km from his home.
“When the landfill caught fire a few years ago, we were not asked to evacuate. It looks quite bad this time,” he stated yesterday.
Muhammad Fauzi stated he can be transferring to SK Saujana Indah as suggested by the authorities.
Another resident, Normah Abdul Hamid, 58, stated she would don’t have any alternative however to transfer to the momentary shelter for the sake of her well being.
“My husband is 70 years old and his health is not that good. I have been coughing, too, and have had difficulties breathing. We will make preparations to move as soon as possible,” she stated.
Smoky scenario: The hazmat workforce from the Kulim Hi-tech fireplace and rescue station with Department of Environment workers conducting a check on the air high quality at Chankat in Nibong Tebal. — ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star
Normah stated if the scenario didn’t enhance after per week, she would possibly transfer to her daughter’s place in Jawi.
Another resident, Mohamad Hafiz Abdullah, 31, stated he wouldn’t be transferring to the aid centre however his sister’s home in Simpang Empat.
“If we are the affected victims, I think the authorities should provide us with an official evacuation letter so that our house is protected when we are away,” he stated.
Kampung Kebun Baru Village Community Management Council chairman Nursyakila Abdullah, 48, stated 115 individuals from the village had agreed to be relocated however there have been some households who have been refusing to accomplish that due to private causes.
“Some are reluctant to leave their homes while others say they can’t abandon their livestock just like that,” she stated.
Jawi assemblyman Jason H’ng, when contacted, stated the affected residents have been suggested to relocate to the momentary shelter for their very own security.
“Currently, two schools have been designated for the affected residents,” he stated.
“I really hope the affected residents will move to the centres for a while until the fire is totally brought under control.”
Nibong Tebal fireplace station chief Noor Asfariza Mohamad Abdul Kadir stated it might take one other two weeks to utterly douse the fireplace at the landfill.
“We have identified the peat fire 20m under the rubble of the waste there.
“Our men have been working non-stop on a 24-hour basis to fight the fire since it broke out on Jan 12,” she stated.
Firefighters from the Penanti, Kepala Batas, Nibong Tebal and Paya Terubong fireplace stations in addition to personnel from the hazmat workforce in Prai and Kulim Hi-tech Park are collaborating in the operations.
In one other improvement, Deputy Environment and Water Minister Datuk Mansor Othman stated motion can be taken towards the administration firm of the landfill if it was discovered to have contravened rules.
“The investigation is ongoing and we are waiting for the report before we take any action,” he stated.
