BATU GAJAH: Powdery green and blue substances believed to be chemical waste have been found dumped on vacant land near Taman Tronoh Baru.
Cattle owner R. Nithiananthan discovered the waste after 17 of his cows that grazed there died.
“I let my cows out to graze on Tuesday (Nov 4) and started to die on Wednesday (November 5) with the last one dying on Saturday (Nov 8),” he added.
He said three more cows are missing.
“One of the cows even attacked me before collapsing and dying on the spot,” he said.
He spoke at a press conference held by Perak Barisan Nasional Public Service and Complaints Centre chairman Mohd Rawi Abdullah at the site on Sunday (Nov 9).
Nithiananthan said lorries have been seen dumping waste at the location.
“The lorries come with sacks of waste and unload them here, usually at night. I last saw them dumping about a month ago,” he said.
He added that his cows have grazed on this land for two years, but lately it is too polluted.
Nithiananthan said this is the first incident of its kind in his 25 years as a cattle-rearer and said that the carcasses have been buried.
“I hope the Environment Department can identify the factory involved, determine the chemicals dumped and take action if they are hazardous,” he said.
He said his estimated loss from the dead cows is about RM50,000.
“I lodged a police report on Thursday (Nov 6) and I was advised by police and the Batu Gajah District Council to file a report with the Veterinary Department,” he added.
Nearby resident Nor Affandi Ahmad, said he repeatedly warned drivers against dumping.
“They just say ‘Okay abang, will not do it again’ but they still come. The air here is terrible and can cause itchy skin,” he said.
“Sometimes they burn the waste and the night smoke is unbearable and thick like fog,” added Nor Affandi, who said that dumping usually occurs after 8pm.
Meanwhile, Mohd Rawi said the authorities must investigate thoroughly and bring those responsible to justice.
“This incident clearly violates the Environmental Quality Act 1974,” he said.
“Preliminary information suggests irresponsible individuals have been dumping prohibited chemical substances illegally,” he added.
He said a report will be lodged with the Environment Department on Monday (November 10).
Attempts are being made to contact Perak environment committee chairman Teh Kok Lim for comment.
