ACRID smell detected at a Taman Maluri neighbourhood park in Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, has been linked to frequent open burning at an adjacent squatter settlement.
Park-goers have complained about the air pollution and that the bad smell is keeping them away from recreational activities.
Local resident Frankie Chong said the open burning was often conducted at night and smoke from the burning waste would be billowing until the next morning, when many residents would e going to the park.
“The smell is very different, it’s sharp and strong, unlike the burning of regular domestic waste,” said the 60-year-old.
Lee (left) and Chong looking at an exposed wire of a fallen lamp post, which poses a safety hazard to park-goers.
“Residents also claim to have seen small lorries coming into the squatter settlement to dump waste there.”
The squatter settlement is located under high-voltage transmission wires at the Selangor border, specifically Pandan Jaya in Ampang.
When contacted, Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB) said it had been working closely with local authorities to curb such activities.
“We advise the public to not engage in any activities within TNB’s right-of-way, unless there is prior written approval from us and in strict adherence to several stipulated conditions,” TNB said in a statement.
“The risk of engaging in activities without TNB’s approval includes loss of lives, damage to TNB’s equipment, and disruption to the national grid system’s power supply.
The open burning site is right next to the perimeter fence of the Taman Maluri neighbourhood park. — Photos: YAP CHEE HONG/The Star
“Any unauthorised activities within TNB’s right-of-way may result in legal action being taken under Section 37(12)(a) of the Electricity Supply Act 1990 (Amendment 2015).”
Besides the air pollution matter, social activist Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye, who lives in the park’s vicinity, was also unhappy with the condition of some of its facilities and irresponsible acts carried out by certain parties.
“There are people riding motorcycles into the park, drinking alcoholic beverages and littering. Since it is an open park, anyone can come in at any time and there is no guard to man the area,” he said.
“Perhaps Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) could look into how to monitor the park to avoid unauthorised activities within the premises.”
Lee said some of the park facilities needed to be repaired, such as broken lights and fences.
“Some of the lights have fallen and the wires are exposed, which look dangerous.
“The fence behind the futsal court goal post is also damaged,” he added.
DBKL said in a statement that there were over 400 neighbourhood parks in Kuala Lumpur and it did not provide security service for any of them.
Instead, DBKL encouraged residents’ associations or Rukun Tetangga to help monitor and take care of parks within their neighbourhoods.
“DBKL and the police will step in to help in cases of trespassing, crime or vandalism.
“At present, bollards and perimeter fence are being installed at the park to prevent motorcycles from entering the premises.
“More signage on the dos and don’ts will be put up and more dustbins will be placed,” read the statement.
The statement also clarified that there were no time limit for the park usage, and the lights would be switched on between 7pm and 7am.
