Gua musang: The landfill on the Gua Musang-Lojing road near Kampung Kundur will be relocated to a new site in an effort to address the persistent issue of open burning that has produced thick smoke for over two years. Gua Musang District Council (MDGM) President, Mohd Roshdi Ismail, announced the decision to move the landfill to a more suitable location within the same area, aiming to implement better control measures.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Mohd Roshdi explained that the relocation would facilitate improvements at the original site, including the closure of access roads frequently used by unauthorized individuals. "The work of backfilling the existing pile of waste will be done using land owned by the state government and local residents, with the consent of the owners on a win-win basis," he mentioned.
Immediate actions have been directed, including enhancement works and the installation of fences to prevent unauthorized access. Mohd Roshdi noted that the smoke has posed health risks and impaired visibility for residents and drivers along the Gua Musang-Lojing route. The burning activities have affected more than 5,000 residents in nearby areas, including Kuala Betis, Felcra Panggong Lalat, Lojing Highlands, and regions close to Cameron Highlands, Pahang.
Kelantan Department of Environment (JAS) Director, Wan Aminordin Wan Kamarudin, stated that the landfill's management and response fall under MDGM's jurisdiction, urging complaints to be directed to the council. He emphasized the prohibition of open burning, particularly during the current dry and hot weather conditions, underlining the legal penalties under Section 29(A) of the Environmental Quality Act 1974 (Amendment 2024).
A survey by Bernama revealed ongoing smoke emissions from the old waste pile despite recent rainfall, with a noticeable foul odor detectable over 200 meters away. This persistent smoke compromises visibility on the Gua Musang-Lojing route, raising road safety concerns, especially during early morning and late evening hours. The route serves as a critical access point to Lojing and Cameron Highlands, frequented by tourists and local residents alike.