{
  "id": 6242926,
  "title": "More than 2,000 residents plagued by flies, foul odour from chicken farm",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/08/more-than-2-000-residents-plagued-by-flies-foul-odour-from-chicken",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-08T05:14:12.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/news/regional/2026/09/1528179/more-2000-residents-plagued-flies-foul-odour-chicken-farm"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "More than 2,000 people in five villages near Bandar Baharu, Serdang, are experiencing fly infestations and foul odors emanating from a nearby chicken farm. The villages impacted include Kampung Titi Akar, Kampung Batu Hampar, Kampung Air Putih, Kampung Batu 18, and Kampung Kuala Air Putih. The issue has been ongoing for at least three years, worsening over time, according to resident representative Muhamad Zaimi Omar, 40.\n\nInitially, occasional fly problems were tolerable; however, with the expansion of the farm, the flies and strong odors have become a daily nuisance. Zaimi, who lives less than 200 meters from the sheds, and some residents only 100 meters away, are forced to keep their doors and windows closed to avoid being invaded by the flies. This practice makes daily activities, such as preparing food and welcoming guests, particularly during festive occasions, extremely challenging. Even cooking becomes problematic due to the flies and unpleasant smells.\n\nThe strongest odors typically occur between 5:30 pm and Maghrib when the sheds' ventilation systems are in use. Zaimi also questions the approval process for the farm, particularly the proximity of the sheds to residential areas. He wonders how the authorities permitted additional sheds to be constructed so close to residents' homes and stresses the need for standard operating procedures (SOPs) to be followed.\n\nKhairul Bahar Hashim, 44, a representative of the Village Development and Security Committee, confirms that the farm has been operating for over 20 years. Despite numerous complaints being lodged with relevant authorities, including elected representatives, the problem persists. Hashim clarifies that they are not seeking the closure of the farm but rather expect the operator to adhere to all farming laws and procedures to prevent the distress caused to residents. The chicken farmer's business is for profit, but the residents bear the costs of managing the flies, including the frequent purchase of fly traps. Hashim hopes that all relevant parties can collaborate to find a solution that does not burden the residents.",
  "summary": "BANDAR BAHARU: More than 2,000 residents in five villages in Serdang here are being plagued by flies and foul odours, allegedly caused by a nearby chicken farm.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}