Residents from several Federal Land Development Authority (Felda) schemes in Kota Tinggi are opposing the construction of a landfill located approximately 1km away from the nearest settlement.
Rasid Che Harun, a second-generation settler from Felda Lok Heng Timur, expressed concerns on behalf of his fellow villagers and residents from Felda Lok Heng Barat, Felda Lok Heng Selatan, and Felda Simpang Waha regarding this project.
“The landfill will result in problems such as water and air pollution for approximately 25,000 people living in close proximity,” said Rasid.
A banner put up by residents of Felda Lok Heng to protest against the landfill project.
“A stream runs from the landfill site through our villages before entering Sungai Sedili Kecil.
“Let’s not turn this area into a dumping ground,” emphasized the businessman while visiting the project site.
He further mentioned that they learned about the project in 2018 and staged a protest at that time.
“The project was then put on hold, but recently, we noticed heavy machinery entering the site,” Rasid stated.
Inhabitant of Felda Simpang Waha, Mohd Khairi Khairul Anuar, aged 35, alleged that the landowner did not meet with the settlers to provide them with information about the project.
Rasid: Residents are concerned about water and air pollution.
“We have been facing inconsistent water supply in our settlement for decades, and I am anxious that this situation will worsen in the future due to the landfill,” said the cow breeder.
“We hope they can locate a more suitable area for the landfill, far away from residential regions,” he added.
Johor Lama assemblyman Norlizah Noh, who inspected the site, expressed her intention to address residents’ concerns by writing to pertinent authorities such as the Kota Tinggi District Council.
“From my understanding, the project had been previously canceled,” Norlizah remarked.
“I am unsure why it has been allowed to resume this year without engaging with the local community or the assemblyman’s office.
“At the very least, the project owner needs to hold a townhall meeting with the community to address their concerns,” stated Norlizah, who also serves as Johor’s education, information, and communication committee chairman.
She also confirmed her intention to bring up the matter with state housing and local government committee chairman Datuk Mohd Jafni Md Shukor, as well as tourism, environment, heritage, and culture committee chairman K. Raven Kumar.
Credit: The Star : Metro Feed
