Severe Fly Infestation At This Selangor Village Makes Life A Living Hell For Residents
The infestation has affected businesses in the village, with some even feeling embarrassed to invite relatives to visit.
By Sadho Ram — 20 Jan 2025, 03:55 PM
Residents of Kampung Ladang Batu in Selangor have been enduring a severe fly infestation that has greatly disrupted their daily lives
The infestation has reached a point where residents have struggled to eat, sleep, and live peacefully for the past three years.
According to the New Straits Times, the flies invade the residents' bodies, entering their nostrils and ears and disrupting their activities, including eating, resting, sleeping, and even performing prayers.
The villagers also claimed that their bodies are covered with numerous flies while taking bath.
While the exact cause of the infestation has not been confirmed, the villagers attribute the overwhelming presence of flies to a nearby poultry farm, which they believe to be the primary source of the problem.
"We have to deal with thousands of flies all the time — morning, afternoon, evening, and night," shared one resident.
The situation is the same for around 104 families in the village.
Villagers have raised complaints to the relevant authorities, hoping for action to address the infestation. However, the problem remains unresolved, leaving them in a state of constant frustration.
"One of the measures we've taken is to buy fly traps at RM10 each, and we need about 10 to 15 A4-sized traps daily," said Nasarudin Ngadio, who lives about 200m from the poultry farm.
According to the resident, the families have also been using plastic bottles cut in half, with tomato sauce as a trap to save costs, and the results have been effective in catching many flies.
"Some family members have also fallen ill with diarrhoea, and when seeking medical treatment, the doctor confirmed [it was] food poisoning. We suspect the flies may be a contributing factor, but we can't prove it."
The infestation has affected businesses in the village, with some even feeling embarrassed to invite relatives to visit
Suzila Sarengat said that customers have been put off by the sight of flies around her water jars and fruit.
"Since last year, every time I cook sugar water, or cut fruit, flies swarm in large numbers, covering the food and equipment. Whenever I pack drinks or food for customers, I apologise beforehand because I worry that flies may get in unnoticed," she said, adding that her business had been adversely affected.
Another villager, Emiliah Miskun, said they had to endure the same situation even during the fasting month and Hari Raya Aidilfitri.
"We feel embarrassed to invite relatives and friends over for Raya, let alone host an open house because the house is filled with flies. When preparing iftar, flies can also end up in the food being cooked," she said.
Fed up, residents staged a peaceful protest earlier this month
Village Development and Security Committee chairperson and Kampung Ladang Batu head Saluah Mundagir said despite lodging a complaint with Tanjong Sepat state assemblyperson Datuk Borhan Aman Shah, the Veterinary Services Department, and the Kuala Langat Municipal Council, there has been little progress.
The New Straits Times reported that Borhan is expected to release a statement soon.
