Sahabat Alam Malaysia (SAM) has urged the Kangar Municipal Council (MPK) and the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID) to investigate the cause of the river pollution in Kangar, Perlis and take appropriate measures to curb the pollution.
SAM’s observation found a variety of waste materials, particularly plastic items floating in the river here and the water looked dirty and silted. SAM is disappointed that although the river has been polluted for some time but until now effective action has yet to been taken by the authorities to stop the pollution.
SAM believes if the problem is allowed to continue, it will lead to odour pollution in the future. If this occurs, business activities and the source of income of food vendors near the river here will be affected.
In addition, the river pollution can also threaten fish in the rivers and trigger health problems among the general public if it is not dealt with immediately.
Throwing garbage into the river will contribute to the occurrence of flash floods. The flow of water will be inhibited due to clogged drainage system. If the water is stagnant it will become a breeding ground for mosquitoes and can cause dangerous epidemics.
Thus SAM hopes that MPK and DID will conduct thorough monitoring to identify the point sources of pollution which among others involve food outlets, business premises, residential areas and the Kangar market.
In addition to stringently enforcing the Local Government Act 1976, in particular the pollution of streams, the waste management system including wastewater must be improved. The public and businesses must also be responsible in ensuring a clean environment.
SAM was also surprised and disappointed to see the filthy condition of the Kuala Perlis beach which was strewn with litter. Hence SAM urges the public and food vendors to give priority to environmental cleanliness when carrying out their activities.
Media Statement, 21st June 2017