What should have been a peaceful and comfortable residential area has turned into a nightmare for residents along Jalan Permas 2/5, Taman Permas Jaya, Johor Bahru. For three years, they have been forced to endure the misery of living next door to a family that has turned their home into an open-air garbage dump by hoarding recyclable items.
According to a resident named Khadijah who spoke to Berita Harian, every single space inside and outside the house is filled with various types of trash, including food waste, piles of plastics, boxes, and empty tin cans.
This issue not only brings discomfort due to a foul odor that can be smelled from up to 200 meters away, but it also triggers serious concerns over mosquito and fly breeding. This worsening situation has caused some residents to move away, but they faced misfortune when their houses failed to sell because prospective buyers refuse to live near the ‘trash house’.
“What we find strange is that they still live in the house and should be able to understand the problems happening. It’s not just the foul smell, but mosquito and fly breeding around the area is increasing, worrying residents,” Khadijah told Berita Harian.
Occupant’s stubbornness and ineffective warning from authorities
The situation has grown so dire that some fed-up homeowners have packed up and tried to move away, only to find themselves trapped. Khadijah said their properties remain unsold because prospective buyers are instantly turned off by the unsightly trash house looming next door.
The news portal also reported that another frustrated neighbor, Norman, 50, pointed out that this is not even the first time authorities have stepped in. He said the house has previously been cleared out by relevant agencies, but the occupants simply refuse to change their ways, immediately reverting to their old habits.
Residents also claim that several other houses in the area are also being used to stockpile recycled goods, turning neighborhood cleanliness into a systemic community issue.
A plea for lasting action
Bandar Baru Permas Jaya Kawasan Rukun Tetangga (KRT) Chairman, Habib Syed Sallilah Aasad, shed light on the bizarre routine of the household. He noted that the hoarding isn’t even done purely for commercial recycling; rather, it has become an obsessive habit.
“Some neighbors complained that they could smell the foul smell up to a distance of 200 meters and it affected festive celebrations,” Habib explained. “Every day that family member will take a Proton Wira with two to three homeless individuals to look for recycling items. He will sell the items to lorry drivers who come to his house, but items that haven’t been sold yet will continue to be stored until they pile up like a hill”.
Efforts by local authorities like the Johor Bahru City Council (MBJB) and SWCorp, alongside a massive community cleanup two years ago that hauled away two metric tons of rubbish with SWM Environment, have all proven futile.
“In fact, when reprimanded by neighbours, the man also gets angry, which is feared to spark tension, besides stating he is ready to pay the authorities’ compound”. Habib said, as reported by Berita Harian.
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