NIBONG TEBAL – Another polluting incident has occurred at the Pulau Burung solid waste dump site (Phase 1) as the Environment Department (DoE) confirmed reports of leachate discharge from the site last Tuesday evening.
State DoE director Sharifah Zakiah Syed Sahab said that the leachate was found to have seeped from the site into an adjacent mangrove swamp before flowing into the sea.
“We are investigating the complaints that were lodged by the residents. Our preliminary findings are that the grouses by the residents have some basis,” she said.
Investigators from DoE found that pipes installed by certain parties allowed the leachate to flow into the reserve land of the mangrove swamp before it flowed into the open seas.
DoE has also conducted a physical inspection of the dump site, taken samples and deployed a drone to determine if the alleged offenders are loitering nearby, she said.
“We have also recorded statements from witnesses and the samples will be sent to the Chemistry Department for an analysis.”
DoE has also lodged a police report on the matter, Sharifah Zakiah confirmed.
“There are indications that this is a deliberate act and DoE is empowered to take action under the Environmental Quality Act (Circular) 1974 where a stop work order can be immediately issued to the operator of the site,” she added.
She acknowledged in a statement that there have been a few pollution-related incidents at the site, which have disrupted the lives of the public here.
Earlier this year, Pulau Burung was the site of a massive underground peat fire which smouldered on for close to 60 days, causing nearby residents to be evacuated and schools closed due to the air pollution index recording high levels of pollutants.
Meanwhile, Penang PAS environment committee chairman Saiful Lizan Md Yusoff urged DoE and the state government to nab the suspects soon because the situation endangers mother nature and the residents living nearby.
Saiful Lizan also said in a statement that there is a sense of discomfort among the surrounding villagers because incidents of pollution have been happening frequently at Pulau Burung.
The Vibes is contacting state executive councillor Phee Boon Poh, who oversees the environment portfolio, on this matter. – The Vibes, September 22, 2022.
