Resolve the Sungai Kereh Pollution Issue Urgently

The Consumers’ Association of Penang (CAP), Penang Sustainable Natural Heritage Association (LEKAS) and Sungai Kereh Pollution Protest Action Body hope that the Sungai Kereh pollution caused by pig farming activities in Kampung Selamat, Tasek Gelugor, Penang will be resolved immediately because the residents here have been plagued by the pollution of this river for more than 40 years.

CAP, LEKAS and the action body had appointed an independent laboratory to conduct water quality analysis of several water bodies in this area including Sungai Kereh on December 2020. “Based on the laboratory analysis report, there is scientific evidence to conclude that the main cause of Sungai Kereh pollution is from pig farming activities in Kampung Selamat,” said Zikrullah Ismail, chairman of LEKAS.

The evidence strengthens the statement made by the Sungai Kereh Pollution Protest Action Body that the pollution here is caused by pig farming activities. LEKAS is determined with its commitment to advocating for the locals so that this issue can be resolved immediately.

LEKAS Chairman Zikrullah Ismail indicating area to take water sample.

LEKAS will intensify awareness campaigns to the public so that this issue can be understood based on clear facts and not just mere empty sentiments as claimed by some irresponsible parties.

Abdul Razib bin Abdul Rahim, chairman of the action body stated, “We consider that the pollution of Sg. Kereh has taken too long to be resolved. Pig waste continues to be discharged to Sg. Kereh although we have called for a solution many times along with non-governmental organizations (NGOs).

He added, “We would like to emphasize that this action body will continue to defend the villagers who have been facing this pollution issue for more than 40 years, either by making a police report or more drastically to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).”

“CAP hopes that with the continuous monitoring of river water quality, implementation of the zero-waste discharge system by the pig farmers as well as the enforcement of the Pig Breeding (Penang) Enactment 2016 and Pig Breeding Licensing Regulations (Penang) 2020, the issue of Sungai Kereh pollution can be resolved so that the people can live in a clean and healthy environment,” said CAP President, Mohideen Abdul Kader.

Mohideen Abdul Kader
President, Consumers’ Association of Penang (CAP)

Zikrullah Ismail
Chairman, Penang Sustainable Natural Heritage Association – LEKAS

Abdul Razib bin Abdul Rahim.
Chairman, Sungai Kereh Pollution Protest Action Body

Joint Media Release, 4 February 2021