HOMESTAY operators and villagers at Kampung Kobuni in Inanam, Kota Kinabalu want the authorities to take action against a factory owner for disposing of bean sprouts into a nearby river.
Desa Cinta homestay coordinator Emalia Rabin, 41, said food waste dumped by the factory owner had been polluting the river for the last few years.
“Their action not only pollutes the river, which emits
a stench, but also affects
people’s income.
“The river is a spot for tourism activities,” she said, adding that the community had lodged reports with the state Department of Environment, but no action had been taken.
Another homestay operator, Misinah Latif, 54, echoed Emalia’s concern about the
deteriorating condition of the river.
“The river used to be so clean that villagers used it for bathing, but now it is full of worms which feed on the food waste.”
ACTIONLINE:
Inanam assemblyman Kenny Chua said officers from Kota Kinabalu City Hall and the Department of Environmental had checked the factory and polluted river.
“It was found that the owner had no licence. He had also violated laws on the environment.
“Action is expected to be taken against the owner, including closing his premises until he obtains a licence.”
