MELAKA RIVER SEVERELY POLLUTED

The Consumers Association of Penang (CAP) is shocked and disappointed by the Melaka River pollution which has caused the death of thousands of fish due to poisoning in the river recently.

CAP urges the Melaka state government, the Department of Environment (DOE) and the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID) promptly investigate the pollution problem and disclose the results of their investigation to the public as soon as possible.

Commenting on a report in a local newspaper (Utusan Malaysia: 22nd April 2015) about the incident, CAP urged the authorities to take stern action against those involved in polluting the river and impose severe penalties commensurate with the offense committed.

Two days ago, the residents of Kampung Enam Sungai Melaka living nearby discovered thousands of dead fish floating along this river 3km believed to be caused by contamination of toxic substances.

CAP views this pollution problem is a serious matter because it not only affects the quality of the river water and killed thousands of fish in it, but can also spread to the nearby sea and threaten fishery resources and the livelihood of local fishermen.

CAP is concerned and believes if immediate steps are not taken by the authorities, adverse effects on the environment will occur more seriously in the future. CAP believes that concerted action by all departments and agencies involved with this matter has to be expedited so that the problem can be addressed effectively.

CAP hopes that the DOE, DID and Local Authorities (LAs) will continuously monitor areas that are identified could trigger environmental problems along this river.

Press Statement, 23rd April 2015