Address the Cause of Mangrove Tree Deaths in Balik Pulau, Penang Immediately

Lai Cheng February 10, 2025 0 Comments
Dead mangrove trees in Kuala Sungai Pinang, Balik Pulau, Penang.

The Consumers’ Association of Penang (CAP) urges the Penang government, relevant departments and agencies, to investigate and take immediate action regarding the death of mangrove trees in Kuala Sungai Pinang, Balik Pulau.

The drainage near the shrimp farming area in Kuala Sungai Pinang, Balik Pulau is filled with waste and has become shallow.

CAP is disappointed that despite the long-standing nature of this issue and complaints being lodged with the relevant authorities, no effective action has been taken to address the problem, leading to the increasing destruction of this natural heritage.

CAP’s survey found that approximately 3 hectares of mangrove trees in the area between Kuala Sungai Pinang and Kuala Sungai Bharu have died, and several more hectares may also be affected and destroyed if the root cause of the problem is not promptly addressed.

CAP has been informed by the Penang Forestry Department that the dead mangrove trees, of the api-api (Avicennia) species, are likely due to waste discharge from nearby shrimp farming ponds.

Fishermen’s jetty at Kuala Sungai Pinang, Balik Pulau.

Given that mangrove forests are crucial ecosystems for the breeding of various marine species, CAP is concerned that this situation will severely impac

t the livelihoods of about 500 coastal fishermen in the area in the future if decisive action is not taken by the relevant authorities.

Shrimp farming project area in Kuala Sungai Pinang, Balik Pulau, Penang.

Fishermen here have told CAP that their catch, including fish, crabs, and shrimp, has declined in recent years, believed to be due to pollution from effluents from shrimp farm and the destruction of mangrove forests.

They also face problems when casting their nets at sea due to interference from debris of cut mangrove trees carried by currents, polluting the waters. Meanwhile, the drainage systems around the shrimp farming ponds here have been buried and clogged by waste.

CAP urges the Fisheries Department,Irrigation and Drainage Department (JPS), Department of Environment (JAS), Penang Island City Council (MBPP), and Southwest District Office to give serious attention to this issue and take immediate action to resolve it.

CAP hopes that the results of the investigation and the actions taken will be disclosed to the public in the near future.

 

 

Mohideen Abdul Kader
President
Consumers’ Association of Penang

Press Statement, 10 February 2025