Air Pollution Crisis

Scientific Evidence: Air Pollution Impacts

According to the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Report (Chapters 7–9), the proposed reclamation project at Karpal Singh Drive is set to unleash a significant wave of air pollutants. These pollutants are linked to respiratory illnesses, cardiovascular disease, and even increased mortality risks.

This scientific evidence demonstrates that the current "acceptable" ambient air quality could rapidly deteriorate, placing local communities at significant risk.

Proposed On-Site Recycling & Health Risks

According to the PLB – EIA Report, the proposed reclamation project includes on-site recycling of waste materials excavated from the old landfill (Table 5.10). This recycling process, while intended to reduce external disposal and transportation, poses significant air quality challenges for local communities. A maximum of 20 heavy-duty recycling machines will operate over 10 hours daily—often in open-air conditions—crushing, sorting, and processing waste. As scientific literature indicates, such intensive mechanical activity can disperse fine particulate matter (PM_2.5 and PM₁₀), along with airborne contaminants released from decomposing landfill debris (Seinfeld & Pandis, 2016).

Source: PLB – EIA Report, Figure 5.27

The PLB – EIA Report (Chapters 8 & 9) suggests employing techniques like dust suppression sprays, negative-pressure containment, and continuous air monitoring during recycling operations. However, without robust enforcement and real-time pollution alerts, short-term spikes in harmful particulates and gases are likely, raising concerns about acute health risks such as headaches, nausea, and aggravated asthma among sensitive populations (Agency for Toxic Substances & Disease Registry [ATSDR], 2016).

Local Community Concerns

Residents near Karpal Singh Drive are already experiencing the effects of urban air pollution. With the proposed project, these impacts are expected to intensify, as evidenced by:

• Increased dust and particulate emissions due to massive excavation, reclamation, on-site recycling and transportation activities.
• Elevated levels of toxic gases from disturbed landfill material, which can trigger asthma and other respiratory disorders.
• Long-term environmental degradation that undermines community health and local ecosystems.

Scientific assessments using advanced dispersion models (e.g., AERMOD) further suggest that these pollutants will not remain confined to the project site but will disperse into residential areas, compounding the risk for vulnerable populations.

Mitigation Measures and Their Limits

The EIA outlines various measures—such as passive gas collection pipes, flaring systems, and silt traps (PLB Engineering Berhad, n.d.). While these are necessary, they are not foolproof. Air sampling and flaring require meticulous calibration; a minor oversight can lead to unfiltered gas releases. Adequate budget, technical expertise, and continuous oversight are paramount.

Our collective protests can push the authorities and project proponents to invest in full-scale, advanced pollution controls or reevaluate the project’s viability altogether. The longer we wait, the more likely the damage becomes permanent.

Time to Protest: Stand Up for Our Future

The robust scientific evidence is clear: the reclamation project poses an unacceptable risk to our health. It is imperative that we demand a reject to this project.

We call on all community members, scientists, and concerned citizens to join forces and protest this environmental injustice.

Join the Movement Now!

History shows that organized, evidence-based protest can drive change. Together, we can compel decision-makers to prioritize public health over reckless development. Your voice matters—demand a sustainable future!