Guan Eng: Penang oil spill a major disaster

GEORGE TOWN: The ongoing oil spill in Penang is a major disaster, said Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng (pic).

"We are really disappointed that the state government was not informed of the spill until late on Saturday," said Lim to newsmen after visiting the Kahlee Amman Temple in Air Itam here on Sunday.

Lim said that the spill – which has spread to over 70 square kilometres – could threaten fishes and the livelihood of fishermen.

"We hope the Federal Government would successfully complete the clean-up operations," added Lim.

The oil spill, believed to be from an Indian vessel was first detected at the Perai Bulk Terminal on Friday night, and spread to waters off Gurney Drive on Friday evening.

Clean-up efforts by the Department of Environment (DOE) and Penang Port Sdn Bhd that began on Saturday morning are currently in full swing.