TAMBUNAN: Residents here urge the local authorities to give serious attention to the waste disposal site in the district which is polluting the environment and posing a threat to public health.
A resident said the current waste management system needs to be reviewed as the landfill is located close to privately owned land.
“The smell from the rubbish that we inhale daily makes us feel dizzy, nauseous, and uncomfortable,” he said, adding that open burning of waste at the site often releases thick smoke which pollutes the air and causes unease among nearby residents.
“When the wind blows, the smoke enters our homes. The stench from the burning rubbish is very strong and can cause coughing and breathing difficulties, especially among the elderly and children,” he added.
Apart from air pollution, residents also complained about the persistent foul odour from the landfill, particularly during hot weather, saying it affects their comfort and tarnishes Tambunan’s image as a district known for its scenic natural environment.
They called on the Tambunan District Council (MDT) to take immediate measures to resolve the problem, including improving the solid waste management system, identifying a more suitable site further from residential areas, and adopting modern, environmentally friendly disposal methods.
Residents also hoped that the Department of Environment (DOE) and relevant agencies would conduct on-site evaluations to assess the level of pollution and take appropriate action to safeguard the community’s well-being and the district’s environmental sustainability.
