Batu Arang folks fret over waste facility, but expert says not to worry

A plan for a waste-to-energy (WTE) plant in Batu Arang has sparked concerns among local residents, but an expert in waste management has reassured them that there's no cause for worry. The Sultan Idris Shah (SIS) Green Energy Plant, intended for the area, has recently received approval for its environmental impact assessment (EIA). Despite this, residents remain steadfast in their protest, citing potential pollution risks.

Zulfaizi Rusli, a 40-year-old long-time resident, expressed worries that waste transport lorries could leak dirty water onto roads, which would then flow into nearby rivers, Sungai Garing and Sungai Batu Arang. These rivers are popular spots for hikers and cyclists. Another longtime resident, Rusli Sharif, fears the plant could negatively impact tourism due to the odor from garbage and potential air quality issues.

Hashiamaldin Bazin, a musician, recalled the unpleasant smell from nearby pig farms and expressed doubts about neutralizing the stench from the new waste facility. He stressed that residents are concerned about the technology's impact on their town, not the technology itself. For Rusli, the primary concern is how the presence of an incinerator will affect Batu Arang's reputation as a heritage town.

Experts, however, assure that modern WTE plants are designed with safety measures to contain odors and harmful emissions. Negative pressure systems suck in outside air when waste is unloaded, effectively capturing odors. Additionally, modern WTE plants employ advanced technology like catalytic converters and fiber filters to treat emissions, ensuring they're harmless.

Like any construction project, these WTE plants undergo thorough environmental impact assessments, reviewed by experts in air pollution, traffic control, and other relevant fields.