CAP: Pollution of Juru River Affecting Fishermen & Cockle Breeders

Lai Cheng April 14, 2025 0 Comments
Drifting weeds floating on the surface of the Juru River.
Plastic waste polluting the Juru River.

The Consumers’ Association of Penang (CAP) urges the Penang state government, Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP), Department of Environment (DOE), and Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID) to conduct investigations and take immediate action to address the pollution of Juru River in the Central Seberang Perai (SPT) district.

In a survey conducted by CAP, it was found that the pollution which was caused by drifting weed and plastic waste from the Rambai River in the area, has been carried by the current to the Juru River and the nearby sea, disrupting the daily activities of fishermen and cockle breeders in Kampung Kuala Juru.

Kampung Kuala Juru fishermen’s head, Wahid Othman, 57, said that the problem, which has been ongoing for the past five years, has been reported to the relevant authorities but no effective action has been taken. According to him, apart from the fishing nets being damaged by drifting weed and garbage, the growth of the farmed cockle has also been stunted, affecting the income of the affected cockle breeders.

Wahid Othman
Helmi Ibrahim

A cockle breeder, Helmi Ibrahim, 45, stated that if the pollution from drifting weed and garbage continues and is not addressed immediately, there is a possibility that greater losses may occur. He is concerned that the farmed cockles could die if weed and plastic waste settle in their cockle breeding areas.

Drifting weeds stuck at Kuala Juru fishermen jetty.

CAP is concerned that if immediate action is not taken, the fishermen and cockle breeders in this village will suffer further losses. Therefore, CAP urges the state government, MBSP, DOE and DID to conduct a site visit to assess the situation and take appropriate action to resolve the problem.

Stringent action must be taken against the perpetrators identified to have caused the pollution. The DOE and MBSP must conduct frequent monitoring visits to ensure this issue does not recur. CAP also hopes that the government will provide assistance or compensation to fishermen and cockle breeders who have experienced losses in income due to the pollution.

 

 

Mohideen Abdul Kader
President
Consumers Association of Penang (CAP)

Press Statement, 14 April 2025