Residents of Kampung Cik Zainal in Chemor near Ipoh, Perak, are still awaiting results of laboratory tests after a local river turned black, sparking fears of environmental contamination and health risks.
While the water has returned to its original murky colour, the community remains concerned over what caused the discolouration which persisted for over two months.
Villager Baharom Buyong, 63, said the river’s condition deteriorated this year.
“I am worried. There used to be a lot of fish in Laluan Sejati, but now there are very few or none.
“Sometimes, there is a muddy smell,” he said when met at the village.
“Last year, the water was just murky, but this year it turned black.”
Baharom added that the river was once a popular swimming spot, but locals now avoided it.
Another resident who wished to be known only as Man, said it was distressing to see children trying to fish.
“It is worrying to see the children there, as the fish could be toxic and affect their health,” he said, adding that he heard that a villager had lodged a report with the authorities.
Village chief Abd Razak Zainal Abidin said initial inspection of the site suggested there had been human activity.
“Upon receiving complaints, we inspected the area and found sand dredging activities near the river.
“The discolouration is believed to be caused by black clay sediment rather than chemicals.”
Abd Razak said the matter had been reported to the state Drainage and Irrigation Department, while the Environment Department (DOE) had collected water samples for analysis.
“I do not think the water is toxic. It could just be black clay sand.
“However, we are awaiting the report from the authorities.
“This has never happened before,” he added.
Separately, surau secretary Meor Aziz Said, 67, highlighted alleged illegal dumping at an empty plot in Laluan Berkat, near a former mining pond.
Stating that the area used to be a fish pond, he said, “Now lorries are dumping waste here.
“We suspect there may even be chemical substances.
“The waste is sometimes burned, causing air pollution,” said Meor Aziz.
He said that during the burning, popping sounds could be heard while the fumes caused residents’ eyes to sting.
He said one villager was considering relocating after his toddler developed breathing difficulties and asthma, believed to be linked to the air quality.
“This has been going on for seven or eight years.
“We see two to three lorries dumping wastes daily.
“We had plans to turn the area into a parking lot for the surau,” Meor Aziz added.
When contacted, a state DOE spokesperson said monitoring and enforcement actions were being carried out in the area.
