GEORGE TOWN: The Consumers’ Association of Penang (CAP) has sent a petition to Energy, Science, Technology, Environment and Climate Change Minister Yeo Bee Yin, calling for action to be taken against plastic waste recycling factories in Sungai Petani, Kedah for causing pollution.
Its acting president Mohideen Abdul Kader said the petition included signatures of some 3,298 residents near the industrial area.
He said among the areas and housing estates affected by the pollution were Bandar Seri Astana, Taman Ria Jaya, Taman Petani Jaya, Taman Sejahtera, Taman Berangan, Taman Seri Wang, Taman Intan, Taman Nilam, Taman Seraya, Cinta Sayang Resort Homes, Resort Villas and Taman Keladi.
“In a survey conducted by CAP with the Sungai Petani Environmental Action Association, we learned that the pollution has been reported to the Department of Environment (DoE) and Sungai Petani Municipal Council.
“The communities had also carried out peaceful protests, but to date, no effective actions were taken by the relevant parties to curb the pollution.
“The air pollution not only causes discomfort among the population here but also other ailments, with many suffering from respiratory problems, coughing, breathing difficulties, eye irritation and skin itchiness,” he said in a statement issued today.
Mohideen said the situation was becoming more serious as plastic waste factory operators, who also process imported waste, regularly operate at night, some reportedly burning waste at illegal dumpsites in the area.
“CAP is very disappointed with the situation here because it not only violates the Environmental Quality Act 1974 by causing environmental pollution but also threatening public health.
“The pollution problem will worsen in the future if the responsible party continues to look lightly on these complaints,” he said.
According to him, CAP finds that the government has failed to effectively address the issue of dumping of imported plastic wastes and environmental pollution attributed to the plastic waste recycling industry.
“We hereby call on the Department of Solid Waste Management to cancel Approved Permits (APs) issued to plastic recycling companies to import plastic waste,” he said.