Pollution in Tasek-Ipoh
23/4/08
The residents in around Ipoh have been complaining that the too much dust is emitted by Tasek cement and it has become unbearable in the last few weeks.
The local residents made representations to the State Exco member YB A.Sivanesan on the local environment problem and he immediately asked for a meeting with the CEO of Tasek Cement to sort out the resident’s grievance. Today the Department of Environment (DEO), Tasek Cement operators and we, met at their factory to discuss the pollution issue.
We are given to understand Tasek Cement has been operating its factory since 1964 and there were no residents residing around this factory then. But this has changed in the last 40 years where residents are now staying just a stone throw away from the factory.
The complaint of the local residents is that frequently in the night cement duct seems to cover all over ones house and cars. It seems this happens in the evenings and during the weekend. But the pollution is getting from bad to worse as it’s a daily occurrence now.
To this the CEO said that they have installed measures to arrest pollution which is worth millions of ringgit. The residents assert if that is so, how come the cement dust is all over ones house! To this the CEO said that it may be a case where other factories contributing to the pollution. The DEO on the other hand mentioned that although they have received many complaints from the locals but the pollution level is within the permitted level. In one instance last year this factory was fined the maximum permitted under the law that is Rm2000!
The discussion was held in the presence of the residents numbering 20 of them and a committee was formed and they will all meet at the State Exco office next Tuesday to ascertain what else can be done. In the mean time the DEO officers and the health authorities have been asked to analyze the dust materials to see the danger it poses to the public.
I mentioned that the maximum fine of RM2000 is ricdulous and i will raise the matter in Parliament for the present maximum fine to be reviewed.
Also letters have been written to me asking the factory to be relocated elsewhere as its hazardous to the wellbeing of local residents. It’s hoped the relevant authorities will look into this matter carefully.
Press Release
This matter was brought up many times and imagine Tasek Cement was only fined for RM2,000!
I used to stay at Wah Keong Park and I can vouched that my car is full of dust when I wake up the next morning and it happenes almost every day.
I suggest, YB Thomas to sent someone to do inspection at night as I suspect the dust are usually released when most people are asleep.
After staying there for 6 months I decided enough is enough and move to Tambun which is much more healthier I hope even though it is also not far from Tasek Cement.
http://pakatanrakyatperak.blogspot.com
Comment by billgates — April 23, 2008 @ 1:25 pm
You mentioned that the maximum fine of RM2000 is ricdulous and i will raise the matter in Parliament for the present maximum fine to be reviewed.
I sure they alot poor rayat like me received compound fined RM2,000.00 by Alam Sekitar, My poor litter lorry exhausted a litter more black smoke, compared to a billion dollars factory Please do something I can’t afford to pay.Your faithfully Voter from Bercham Ipoh.
Comment by Poor Bercham — April 24, 2008 @ 2:13 pm
Tasek Cement must be taken to task. They have been getting away with murder for decades. The rakyat’s health must take priority. I am very suspicious why the previous BN government have always been dragging their feet and not taking actions against them? Do I need to make myself more clear?
This must cease and I hope Pakatan Rakyat government will take a serious view of this.
Comment by Jong — April 26, 2008 @ 8:44 am
This is serious issue that must be looked into.
Not only those living in Wah Keong Park/Kampong Simee area are affect by the thick cement dust. Those living around Ipoh Garden Maybank/Pejabat Post/Fatimah Hospital areas have been complaining for years, all fallen on deaf ears!
Tasek Cement is most arrogant and it is said they have big “taikos” that will settle complaints for them! They just don’t care, their thick black smoke can be seen miles away esp late evenings and after office hours(no enforcement!), weekends and public holidays.
Take them to court, the whole of Ipoh will march to court as your witness, YB!
Comment by Beankadok — April 26, 2008 @ 8:54 am
“No enforcement late evenings, after office hours” ?
Who said so? The enforcement people must be so well fed that they are too tired to look that direction!
Comment by Jong — April 28, 2008 @ 3:58 am