Chemical containers linked to unlicensed fertiliser factory

JOHOR BARU: The unlicensed fertiliser processing centre located at an oil palm estate in Parit Sikom, Pontian has been operating for 10 years.
State Health, Environment, Education and Information Committee chairman Datuk Ayub Rahmat revealed this when contacted by theSun.
The centre came under the spotlight after Pekan Nanas DAP state assemblyman Yeo Tung Siong held a press conference on the hundreds of intermediate bulk containers (IBCs) seen in a 2.02ha land in an oil palm estate in Parit Sikom on Monday.
"According to findings of Johor Department of Environment (DOE), each IBC weighs about 200 litres. It contains acid, peat soil and other chemicals. All these materials need to be put in the sun for about seven to eight months for processing the liquid fertilisers," Ayub said.
"The storage is part of the process. However, it is not properly done."
He said Johor DOE is in the process of issuing a stop-work order to the operator.
Farmers and villagers are worried this large scale storage might be one of the reasons for oil palm trees dying or lower production of fruits.
Ayub said as the processing centre is located on agriculture land, the operator has committed an offence.
"Manufacturing fertilisers are classified under heavy industry, so these IBCs should be in an industrial area," he added.
He said the DOE is monitoring the situation and the area is not sealed off.
It is learnt that a few villagers had moved out from the village due to the bad smell which they claim was coming from the processing centre.