GEORGE TOWN – Quarrying activities near Setia Pearl Island in Bayan Lepas have left residents fuming, after a rock crashed through the roof of a house in the residential area.
The residents are also concerned that prolonged quarrying will cause health problems such as eye and skin irritation and breathing difficulties due to the dust, as well as noise and environmental pollution due to the rock-blasting and stone-crushing activities.
There are more than 1,500 units at the residential area, including Stramax Residences.
Residents’ association committee member Askin Meera, 55, said such activities have generated excessive noise, which exceeds tolerable levels, especially since his unit is less than 150m from the quarry.
“I have lodged a report on February 21, and sent my complaints to the Penang Island City Council and other relevant authorities.
“I have also sent a letter to Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow on July 23, but yet to get a reply.
“I moved into the unit about five years ago, when no quarrying activity was done and blasting only once a month. However, since January, both activities have become a daily affair.”
After the recent incident, residents are afraid that the quarrying may result in a fatality, he added.
It is learnt that the Environment Department, city council and district office are involved in awarding the quarrying licence.
On March 13, the first meeting was held between the residents’ association and Penang Trade, Industry and Entrepreneurial Development Committee chairman Datuk Abdul Halim Hussain, Bayan Lepas rep Azrul Aziz Mahathir, District and Land Office personnel and police.
On March 19, a second meeting was held with Halim and Penang Welfare, Caring Society and Environment Committee chairman Phee Boon Poh at Komtar.
Askin said on April 10, another discussion involving Phee, Halim, the quarry consultant and operator, as well as residents’ association representatives resulted in the quarry management refusing to comply with the state’s suggestion to install a device at residential units to monitor noise levels from its activities.
He said residents seek an amicable solution as any delay will only prolong any unnecessary risk.
Penang government officials could not be reached for comment.
Sahabat Alam Malaysia president Meenakshi Raman urged the state government and relevant parties to seriously consider the objection by the residents.
“The quarrying activities near the residential area should be immediately stopped before a tragedy occurs.” – The Vibes, August 25, 2021
