Kampar:More than 400 residents in four villages have been affected by a fly infestation and foul odour, allegedly linked to agricultural activities involving untreated chicken manure since early last year.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Changkat Tualang/Redang Sawa Village Development and Security Committee chairman Ahmad Kazimi Ibrahim reported that the situation has worsened over the past three months in Kampung Changkat Tualang, Kampung Redang Sawa, Kampung Changkat Legong, and Kampung Kota Bharu. The agricultural land surrounding these villages, spanning about 40 hectares, is used to grow cash crops such as corn and sweet potatoes.

Ahmad Kazimi explained that the disturbance was initially minor but has escalated recently due to frequent deliveries of chicken manure fertiliser. He believes this is linked to operators preparing the land for new crops, resulting in an increase in flies.

The infestation has disrupted daily life, affected cleanliness, and raised public health concerns. Ahmad Kazimi noted that flies are present at all times of the day, interfering with residents' meals and sleep, and even contaminating food during cooking.

Engagement sessions have been held between residents' representatives and operators, but they have yet to yield satisfactory outcomes. Residents are now seeking intervention from the state government and relevant agencies.

Osman Sharif, a resident and food business operator in Kampung Redang Sawa, reported that the infestation has reduced his eatery's income by nearly 50 percent, as visitors avoid the area due to the fly problem. He is forced to spend more on insect control to maintain cleanliness.

Perak State Communications, Multimedia and NGO Committee chairman Mohd Azlan Helmi stated that the state government takes the issue seriously and will not tolerate related offences. The State Department of Agriculture plans to conduct a detailed census to identify operators and crops, and to check compliance with fertiliser management standards. The department will also assess whether untreated chicken manure fertiliser is still widely used and conduct checks on land leased from the Perak State Agricultural Development Corporation.