Date of publication: Jun 19, 2010
Section heading: Streets
Page number: 007
Byline / Author: By Sim Bak Heng (Translate from Hai Rozzaman Jalal news)
JOHOR BARU: Several families from Kampung Melepang Gantian in Sengkang Batu 20, near Bukit Gambir, have to move out of their village as they can no longer endure the stench from a poultry farm about 100m away.
Besides the stench, the villagers have to put up with the flies which are a health hazard.
The situation has become so bad that it does not take long for a fly sticker at a food stall to be filled with flies. Plates and cups have to be cleared immediately before they attract swarms of flies.
Umno Kampung Melepang Gantian branch chief Azaman Ahmad said the problem had been in existence for 15 years.
The villagers had lodged many complaints, but there was no action from the authorities.
"The stench is especially terrible after a heavy rain. It is so strong that even after all the windows and doors are closed, we can still smell it.
"The farm owner has increased his chicken coops from three to six.
"I believe this is why there are more flies and the stench is worse."
Food stall operator Lailati Shaari, 40, said the problem had affected her business.
She said customers had to cover their cups with small plates and eat their food fast before the flies land on.
Villager Tukiman Tumin, 73, said it was embarrassing to have wedding ceremonies at the village as food handlers and guests have to constantly shoo away the pesky flies.
"The nauseating stench also kills the appetite of the guests. No sooner have the guests arrived, they cannot wait to leave as soon possible."
