RESIDENTS of Taman Nusa Bayu in Iskandar Puteri, Johor, are crying foul over a persistent stench that has plagued them for the past five years.

Among those affected is IT engineer Khoo Jec Sen, 36, who warned that the issue could lead to an incident like the pollution of Sungai Kim Kim, Pasir Gudang, in 2019.

Khoo: The stench evolved from a chemical smell to that of sewage and rotting carcasses.

“The stench has worsened over time, evolving from a chemical smell to an odour of sewage and rotting carcasses.

“It is so strong that it causes nausea and dizziness, especially among elderly residents, children and those with health issues.

“I always have to keep my windows and doors shut, which affects ventilation inside my house. It is emotionally exhausting,” he told StarMetro.

Khoo, a father-of-two who works from home, believes the smell originates from effluents discharged into a retention pond in a nearby industrial area.

“The water from the retention pond eventually flows into a river near our homes, which has turned black and emits a terrible smell,” he pointed out.

Another resident, container operations officer Mohamad Zulkifli Abu Hassan, 43, said even with all doors and windows closed when at home, the stench was suffocating.

Mohamad Zulkifli says the bad odour has disrupted family life.

“The smell has completely disrupted our lives.

“My four children and I can no longer enjoy outdoor activities in front of our house because it is unbearable.

“I am also worried it may affect our health.

“I really hope the authorities will act quickly,” he added.

Quantity surveyor Lim Rui Sheng, 35, who moved to Taman Nusa Bayu three years ago, said he had lodged complaints with the authorities but had yet to receive a proper response.

“The smell is unbearable throughout the day, especially in the afternoon and at night.

“Even with all the doors and windows closed, the odour still seeps into my house.

“I have a four-month-old baby and I am worried that the pollution could affect my child’s health,” he said.

Lim said the stench had caused eye irritation and breathing difficulties.

“I really hope the authorities will conduct regular inspections and take stricter action against errant factories,” he said.

Ravichandran has to shut all windows and doors and cannot get fresh airflow into his house.

Resident S. Ravichandran, 46, who has lived in the area for over 12 years, described the odour as chemical-like and nauseating.

“The smell is strongest at night and early in the morning when it is cooler.

“It makes me dizzy and uncomfortable.

“We always have to shut all the windows and doors so we cannot get clean airflow into the house,” said the father of three.

He added that the polluted air had disrupted his family’s daily routine.

All four residents confirmed that their community had been coordinating efforts through WhatsApp groups, filing joint complaints and collecting photo and video evidence.

However, they claimed enforcement had been lacking and they continued to call for stronger, long-term action from the authorities.

Johor health and environment committee chairman Ling Tian Soon said the Environment Department (DOE) had begun investigating the matter.

“DOE is already looking into the issue and planning to hold a meeting with Drainage and Irrigation Department and the local authorities soon.

“They will conduct a joint integrated operation with the National Water Management Agency to carry out patrols in the affected area,” said Ling.