CAP Urges Immediate Action on Sungai Marong, Jelebu Pollution

The Consumers’ Association of Penang (CAP) urges the Department of Environment (DoE) of Negeri Sembilan to take firm action against those responsible for the pollution, which has caused the water of Sungai Marong near Kampung Lakai in Jelebu to turn black and foamy.

Commenting on the ‘Berita Harian’ newspaper report dated 3 April 2026, regarding this incident, CAP expressed regrets that the incident has also caused the fish in the river to die.

According to the District Officer of Jelebu Fisheries, Mohd Azhar Jusoh, following complaints received from local fishermen regarding this issue, the Department of Fisheries investigated the complaint and found that the incident did indeed occur, with the river water turning black and foamy.

Therefore, CAP calls on the Department of Environment (DoE) to conduct a thorough investigation to identify those responsible for the pollution and to take firm action by imposing heavy penalties under the Environmental Quality Act 1974 on the involved parties.

DoE and the Fisheries Department should promptly disclose the results of the study on fish carcasses and the tested river water quality to the public as soon as possible, as well as the actions taken to address the issue.

CAP is concerned that if this problem persists, it will not only affect the source of income of local fishermen who rely on the river’s catch for their livelihood, but also pose risks to public health, as people may consume fish contaminated with toxins from the river.

CAP sympathises with the fishermen affected by the loss of income due to this incident, calls for a fair compensation in line with the decline in their catch. CAP hopes that this incident does not recur as it has a very detrimental impact on the environment and the lives of the people.

Mohideen Abdul Kader
President
Consumers’ Association of Penang

Press Statement, 6 April 2026