KOTA KINABALU – More than 1,000 villagers in Kg Rugading, Tuaran, here, no longer dare to catch crabs from the Rugading river as it became polluted with petroleum-based oil.
Following complaints of foul smell from the river since yesterday morning, the Sabah Department of Environment has investigated the matter and found that an establishment has been releasing its effluent waste into an open drain.
The department’s director, Amirul Aripin said the effluent waste from the property had flowed from the open drain into the river, which is now polluted by a petroleum-based oil substance.
“We have ordered for the establishment to set up an oil trap to stop the oily substance from flowing into the river through the open drain.
The establishment was also ordered to clean the drain, as mud and leaves on the surface of the drain could potentially leach oil when it rains.
“Samples have been taken from two locations inside the premise for a chemical analysis,” he said.
Amirul said the department will conduct similar investigations in several other establishments in the area to stop similar incidents from recurring. – The Vibes, January 9, 2021
