The daily lives of around 20,000 residents living in several housing areas near Jalan SILC 2/4, SILC Industrial Area, have been affected by alleged water pollution and foul odours that have reportedly continued for several years.
Residents claimed the pollution, involving black and foul-smelling water, was believed to be caused by irresponsible parties allegedly discharging waste into the monsoon drain system in the industrial area.
They said the unpleasant smell was usually more noticeable at night, while the water in the monsoon drains had turned dark and muddy before flowing into Sungai Pulai and nearby waterways.
Kota Iskandar assemblyman Datuk Pandak Ahmad said the issue must be addressed immediately as it could pose risks to public health and the environment.
He said the impact was not only felt by residents from four housing areas but also affected factory workers and school communities located nearby.
Pandak warned that continued pollution could potentially lead to a repeat of incidents similar to the Sungai Kim Kim pollution case if no effective action was taken.
He said he had personally visited the affected location to assess the situation, adding that residents had also submitted complaints to the relevant authorities.
However, he claimed that while investigations had been carried out, stronger enforcement action was still needed to resolve the issue permanently.
Pandak said he experienced nausea and vomiting after visiting the polluted site during his inspection and later sought medical treatment at a clinic.
He stressed that strict action should be taken against any parties found violating environmental regulations or operating conditions.
Meanwhile, Johor Department of Environment (DOE) director Dr Mohd Famey Yusoff confirmed that his department had received a complaint regarding the matter from Pandak.
