SAHABAT Alam Malaysia (SAM) urges the Seberang Prai City Council, Environment Department, Irrigation and Drainage Department, and Seberang Prai Tengah District and Land Office to conduct an investigation into factories operating in the Seri Juru Industrial Park, specifically with regard to their licence to operate, status of land ownership, drainage system, and whether the effluents discharged from the plants are treated.
SAM’s survey and observation found that most of the factories operating in the park are in the heavy industry category, and there are even a few that do not display signboards providing information on them. Also, we found piles of plastic waste on one of the premises, presumably for recycling. We could not ascertain whether the plastic was imported or sourced locally, but the large bales of plastic waste could be clearly seen outside, as well as inside, the premises.
We found several aquaculture ponds adjacent to the industrial site. And, the water in the drains in the industrial area looks black and gives off a foul odour, as though it is contaminated with untreated sewage and other pollutants. This is especially the case for the larger drain (DID drain - PT.10 - Bukit Minyak), i.e. the main drainage channel for the area’s smaller drains and ditches.
In addition, there are significant mud deposits when the tide recedes. The relevant authorities must investigate the source of the mud – whether it is from aquaculture activities or elsewhere. What is of concern is that the polluted water enters Sg Jawi directly when the sluice gate is opened.
SAM is worried about the quality of the water in the area and nearby estuary, besides the threat to marine life and the impact on the nearby fishing community. We randomly interviewed anglers, who were fishing near the mouth of the river, about the water, which appeared black and dirty. They said that on many occasions, they have seen blackish water entering the sluice, and then released into Sg Jawi. They also questioned the level of pollution from factories in the area.
The authorities need to pay close attention to this pollution issue as the area is relatively remote. Thus, illegal activities may be taking place there. If the investigation by the authorities finds that there are illegal and polluting activities by the factories, action in accordance with the law must be taken.
In this regard, SAM urges the relevant authorities to conduct a probe and act against any party that carries out illegal and polluting activities. The pollution in the area needs to be curbed before it becomes more serious. – The Vibes, April 28, 2021
Meenakshi Raman is president of SAM
