Why not just close Batu Ferringhi beach, Hilmi Yahya says

GEORGE TOWN: Deputy Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Hilmi Yahaya suggested that the polluted Batu Ferringhi beach be closed.

“It’s not the time for the blaming game. Closing the beach should be the first thing they should do because if the water contained E. coli bacteria, it would bring diseases.
 
“We don’t want this to happen as it would affect the image of Penang,” Dr Hilmi told a press conference after opening the Program Semarak Cinta Masjid at Kampung Rawa mosque.

“Tourists could easily choose another place for their holidays if our place is too dirty,” he added.

Dr Hilmi said that although the seawater is believed to contain the bacteria, no report of a rise in diarrhea cases were reported in the state.

“We still need to be extra careful as seawater pollution also affects the sea creatures and seafood consumed by the public,” he said.

It was reported that the state government had identified a discharge from an Indah Water Konsortium (IWK) treatment plant as the main cause of the pollutant flowing from Sungai Batu Ferringhi into the sea.

Local Government, Traffic Management and Flood Mitigation Committee chairman Chow Kon Yeow said: “Waste thrown into the river by several food stall operators is another contributing factor. He said water from the river upstream was clear while the black water was only found downstream.