Johor looking into development projects and mass fish deaths

Dead fish seen along Pantai Lido in Johor Baru following reports of mass fish death caused by low oxygen levels.

TANGKAK: The Johor government is investigating whether development projects, including land reclamation work around Pantai Lido, have led to the mass death of fish in the area.

Mentri Besar Datuk Dr Sahruddin Jamal said that the relevant agencies are currently preparing an in-depth report on the matter.

“The Environment Department (DOE) and Fisheries Department are still looking for the main reason why the oxygen level in the water went down, which led to the death of fish.

“This is the second time we have seen such an occurrence and I have urged the relevant agencies to take proactive measures, ” he said, adding that he is still awaiting reports from DOE and the Fisheries Department.

He was speaking to reporters after attending a Johor Corporation corporate social responsibility programme dubbed Jalinan Ukhwah JCorp here at Kundung Ulu in Tangkak on Saturday (Sept 7).

Dr Sahruddin added that at the moment, the state government has not issued any orders to stop development projects in the affected area.

“If the incidents have anything to do with development projects, we will consult the relevant agencies to improve procedures, ” he said.