(From left) Khairul Anuwar, Norhaizam and Rashid surveying the situation at the Taman Tasik Intan Baiduri lake in Kuala Lumpur where thousands of dead fish are rotting. — AZLINA ABDULLAH/The Star
THOUSANDS of rotting fish at a lake in Taman Tasik Intan Baiduri in Kuala Lumpur is causing distress to nearby residents.
The community at the Intan Baiduri People’s Housing Project (PPR) have been putting up with the unbearable stench since Nov 30 and the lake had still not been cleared as of Dec 2.
Residents expressed concern that irresponsible people could be collecting the fish, mainly tilapia, to be sold to unsuspecting consumers.
PPR Intan Baiduri Block A chairman Khairul Anuwar Yusoff said they had lodged complaints to Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) about the decaying fish.
“We are worried that pollution may be the cause. The lake also functions as a retention pond,” he said when met at the site.
Khairul Anuwar emphasised the need for urgent action, noting that residents had seen individuals collecting the dead fish.
During StarMetro’s visit yesterday, several people were spotted using nets to retrieve the fish, with the carcasses accumulating along a 300m stretch of the lake’s edge.
“We are only taking the live ones to sell,” one of the individuals claimed when questioned.
PPR Intan Baiduri Residents Association chairman Rashid Samad said a similar incident happened in 2017.
It was reported at the time that constant flow of pollutants into the pond could have increased the biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) and killed the fish.
“Since it has happened again, what does it say about the water quality in the lake?
“Anglers frequently consume or sell their catch from the lake. Is it safe to eat?” Rashid questioned.
Block B chairman Norhaizam Abdul Majid said residents have been avoiding the lake since Saturday due to the overwhelming stench.
The situation was depriving them of the neighbourhood’s only green recreational space.
“I hope DBKL takes swift action,” he said.
A DBKL spokesperson was informed of the matter but had yet to respond at press time.
