KOTA TINGGI: Thirty-eight villagers of Kampung Orang Asli Pasir Intan here claimed to be victims of odour pollution believed to have occured in the village since last week.
The foul smell is believed to be coming from Sungai Linggiu located about one kilometre from the village leaving the villagers to suffer from breathing difficulties, vomiting, diarrhoea, and headaches.
Following the incident, all affected villagers were temporarily relocated to the Kampung Orang Asli Sayong Pinang's community hall located about 7km from the village.
Kampung Orang Asli Pasir Intan tok batin Hamdan Yusoff claimed that the villagers managed to stop a tanker lorry with the driver and assistant, whom they suspected of dumping chemical waste into the river Wednesday last week.
He claimed that it was the third time the villagers had caught such an act, which was usually carried out at night.
"This is the third time the lorry has dumped black liquid into the river. The first time was a week ago, then two days before, and this time we managed to stop it.
"We immediately contacted the police, who then handed the case over to the Department of Environment when the lorry, which is said to be from a factory in Skudai, was detained.
"The authorities have visited the site and informed us that further investigations are ongoing. This includes the driver and assistant of the lorry, who are said to have been remanded, and the tanker lorry has been seized," he said.
Hamdan hopes that the case will be resolved immediately so that the villagers can return home.
A villager, Tuasa Abu, 48, said she experienced vomiting, diarrhoea, and headaches when the foul smell began enveloping the village.
She added that her husband's asthma also worsened due to the odour pollution.
"We already sought treatment from doctors. My husband, my youngest child aged 12, and I are feeling better," she said.
Another villager, Rozaha Sita, 32, who had just given birth to her fourth child 22 days ago, said that she and her family had to wear face masks at home because they couldn't stand the odour pollution.
"My children and I had headaches. Thankfully my baby is healthy and did not develop any health issues.
"I hope we can return home soon," she said.
The New Straits Times has reached out to the authorities for comments.