GUA MUSANG: For more than a year, users of the Gua Musang-Lojing road have been forced to endure 'fog' not due to a natural phenomenon, but rather from smoke resulting from the open burning of garbage along the route.
Road users claimed that the area is frequently covered with smoke due to irresponsible parties burning waste at a landfill site located by the roadside.
The situation worsens after rain, when the smoke combines with fog, reducing drivers' visibility, disrupting their driving, and posing a hazard to motorists.
Checks by Harian Metro at the landfill site showed the surrounding area filled with smoke reaching the winding road, raising concerns that it could lead to accidents if drivers are not cautious.
Farihan Izmawati Zainuddin, 29, said the road is a main route for motorists traveling from Kampung Kuala Betis and Kampung Panggung Lalat to Gua Musang town, as well as to the Lojing Highlands and Cameron Highlands in Pahang.
"Every day, I leave around 6 pm to go to town by motorcycle. And every day, when I reach the landfill site, I have to deal with smoke enveloping the area.
"It already affects my visibility and the situation is compounded by foul smell coming from the area.
"What's more concerning is encountering lorries coming from the opposite direction," Farihan said.
Razak Sulaiman, 34, also voiced similar complaints. He claimed that the problem had persisted for more than a year.
Tune in to Harian Metro for explanations from the authorities on the issue tomorrow.