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- Published on Thursday, 07 January 2016 11:43
However, bauxite mining activities near the guarded residential area since last year have become a major concern for its 300 residents, mostly retired senior government servants and professionals.
To make things worse, the once serene lake nearby has turned into an eyesore with its pristine waters now murky red, believed to
be the result of the mining activities.
Retiree Nordin Othman, 60, said the lake started to turn murky in June last year, allegedly from bauxite ore contamination.
“It becomes worse during heavy rains, when contamination at the lake intensifies.
“These days, no one goes fishing, takes a boat ride or jogs near the lake anymore.”
He said the area used to be packed with people during the evenings but it had since been deserted.
“Even the nearby streams have turned murky and this affected the entire ecosystem,” he said when met at the housing area yesterday.
Resident Abu Bakar Mahusin, who has lived in the area for 15 years, said the purportedly unregulated mining operations about 500m away from the housing area, had taken a toll on the people.
The 60-year-old added that during hot weather, strong winds would blow dust particles into their homes and cover their vehicles and furniture in thick coat of red dirt.
“The mining site used to be a secondary jungle before we heard news that the landowners had planned to plant oil palm.
“However, the excavators came instead and started clearing the land for bauxite mining.
“We are lucky that the monsoon season this year was not so bad or else the lake would have overflowed and inundated the low-lying spots in the area, similar to what happened two years ago,” he said.
Shahrudin Abd Rahman, 48, said he chose to stay in Aspa Cottage for its peaceful atmosphere and natural charm as he enjoyed trekking in the nearby jungles.
“Most of the residents moved here to enjoy their golden years and spend time with their families away from the city life.
“However, the current scenario is upsetting the residents.
“Back then, the men used to come to the lake and fish for haruan (snakehead fish) and lampam (carp), while the women and children would be picnicking in the evenings.
“Sadly, this is not the case anymore,” he said.
--NST
