BUKIT MERTAJAM – Thousands of dead fish, including catfish and spotted scats, have surfaced in Sg Prai, believed to be a result of untreated water released into the river by a factory operating nearby.
Residents in Taman Kimsar alerted authorities to the problem yesterday afternoon, with Seberang Prai councillor P. David Marshel lodging a report on the matter.
Prai assemblyman P. Ramasamy and councillor K. Jason Raj, upon visiting the site, found the riverbank covered with dead fish.
Marshel said the Seberang Prai City Council’s Crisis Department was immediately alerted, and water samples and fish carcasses taken to the Environment Department for tests.
“The cause of death is still unknown, but we have received information regarding the release of untreated water into the river by a factory operating nearby.”
He said such incidents should be stopped for the sake of the environment and the people.
“I want the DoE to conduct a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the incident as boatmen frequent the area to fish.
“It has to ensure that no such incident recurs in the area as it will affect the water quality.
“I hope the Environment and Water Ministry will take action against parties found to have polluted the river.”
He added that the council is also awaiting findings on the river’s water quality before deciding if anglers and commercial fishermen may continue to fish there. – The Vibes, February 10, 2021
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