Landfill At Gua Musang-lojing Rd To Be Relocated

GUA MUSANG, Aug 5 (Bernama) — The landfill located on the Gua Musang-Lojing road, near Kampung Kundur, will be moved to a new site to solve the ongoing problem of open burning that has caused thick smoke for over two years.

Gua Musang District Council (MDGM) President, Mohd Roshdi Ismail, said the new location will be in the same area but at a different site that is more suitable and controlled.

He said this relocation will allow the council to make improvements at the original site, including closing the access roads that are often trespassed by irresponsible parties.

"The work of backfilling the existing pile of waste will be done using land owned by the state government and local residents, with the consent of the owners on a win-win basis," he told Bernama recently.

Mohd Roshdi announced that a directive for immediate action has been issued, including carrying out improvement works and installing fences around the site to prevent trespassing.

"Residents and road users on the Gua Musang-Lojing route have to inhale thick smoke every day, leading to health risks and poor visibility when driving," he said.

The situation is believed to be caused by open burning by irresponsible individuals, affecting more than 5,000 residents in the surrounding areas of Kuala Betis, Felcra Panggong Lalat, Lojing Highlands, and nearby areas of Cameron Highlands, Pahang.

Meanwhile, Kelantan Department of Environment (JAS) Director, Wan Aminordin Wan Kamarudin, said the landfill is under the supervision and action of the MDGM, therefore all complaints should be directed to the council.

"So far, JAS has not received any official complaints regarding pollution at the location," he said.

However, he reminded all parties not to engage in open burning, whether intentionally or unintentionally, especially as the country is currently facing dry and hot weather.

According to him, under Section 29(A) of the Environmental Quality Act 1974 (Amendment 2024), any party found guilty can be fined not less than RM25,000 and not more than RM1 million, or imprisoned for up to five years, or both.

Meanwhile, a Bernama survey found that thick smoke was still coming out from the old waste pile, even though it had been raining for several days. A foul smell could also be clearly detected from a distance of over 200 meters, indicating that the burning waste was still active in some areas.

This situation causes limited visibility on the main Gua Musang-Lojing route, increasing road safety risks, especially in the early morning and late evening.

The route is an important access point to Lojing and Cameron Highlands, often used by tourists and local residents.

— BERNAMA