GEORGE TOWN – The Penang Environment Department has yet to ascertain if an oil spill occurred off Penang island yesterday due to the lack of evidence.
State executive councillor Phee Boon Poh said the department has taken two water samples from the alleged site, which is off the Paramount Hotel fishing shed, stretching some 2km towards the E&O Hotel here.
Phee, who oversees the environment portfolio, said the department and the state authorities combed the area to look for the source of the alleged spill, but did not find any indication.
The samples have been sent to the Chemistry Department for testing.
“Perhaps the tide brought it in. I suspect that it could have come from the drainage system. Someone could have dumped the oil into the drainage rather than into the sea,” said Phee in an interview.
He said investigations are ongoing.
Sahabat Alam Malaysia (SAM) had issued a statement, seeking action to be taken over the alleged spill.
In a statement, SAM said its survey of the location found no trace of the oil spill because it could have settled or stuck to sediments on the coast. – The Vibes, November 25, 2020
