Resolve water pollution from Parit D3 – Paya Mahang, Seberang Perai Selatan, Penang

Sahabat Alam Malaysia (SAM) urges the Penang State Government, Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID), Department of Environment (DOE), Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP), Department of Veterinary Services, and other relevant authorities in the state of Penang to investigate and resolve the water pollution from Parit D3 – Paya Mahang in Seberang Perai Selatan (SPS).

SAM has brought up this issue to the attention of the relevant authorities, however, no effective actions had been taken to curb the pollution, which has subsequently further deteriorated the water quality here. The water from the polluted drain flows through the Jawi River basin, heading to the estuary of the Jawi River and finally to the sea.

The water pollution can be witnessed clearly when passing through the main road which is located at the bend of Jalan Besar heading to Simpang Ampat, SPS before the Silitech Technology Corporation Sdn. Bhd factory. It can be clearly seen that water in the drain is contaminated, silted, emitting foul stench and seems to be oily. The authorities should analyse the water from the drain to identify the pollutants and  the level of pollution.

The feedback that SAM received from the DID of SPS is that their investigation after receiving SAM’s complaint is that the possible cause of the drain turning blackish and dirty is due to pig farming activities in the vicinity of the Parit D3 (Paya Mahang).  Furthermore, it was reported that the water from the pig farms had flowed directly into a nearby drain and subsequently into Parit D3.

In addition, the DID also stated that they had raised the matter at a committee meeting of the special task force addressing the issue of river and sea pollution in the state of Penang.

It is obviously clear that the pollution here had been long-standing and was known by the authorities. However, the pig waste pollution seems to have no end, as what has been plaguing the community in Kampung Selamat, Tasik Gelugor for over 40 years. The Pig Breeding (Penang) Enactment 2016 and Pig Breeding Licensing Regulations (Penang) 2020 must be strictly enforced to resolve the issue of pollution from pig farming in the state.

We believe that if the pollution in Parit D3 is not addressed effectively, without control and stringent enforcement, the problem will be exacerbated. It may lead to immeasurable complexity and cost a substantial amount in future river restoration projects planned by the Penang State Government.

Hence, SAM urges the relevant authorities to  conduct integrated operations as well as impose stricter action against those responsible for causing the pollution.

Media statement, August 2021