Authorities cleaning up oil spill in Port Dickson

PETALING JAYA: Various agencies have been roped in to clean up a 2km-long oil spill in waters off Pantai Cermin in Port Dickson, Negri Sembilan and the Melaka enclave of Tanjung Tuan.

Environment and Water Minister Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man (pic) said drones have also been deployed to track the source of the pollution.

"This case is being investigated under Section 27 of the Environment Quality Act 1974 that carries a maximum fine of RM500,000 or a maximum five-year jail term or both," he said in a statement Tuesday (Oct 13).

On Monday (Oct 12) multiple reports were lodged over the oil spill.

The Port Dickson district beach cleaning action committee and Alor Gajah district disaster management committee were activated to clean up and dispose of the oil.

Both the Port Dickson and Alor Gajah district and land offices led the clean-up operations with the help of both states' Environment Department, the Malaysia Marine Department, Malaysian Maritime Agency (MMA), Malaysia Civil Defence Force, Fisheries Department, Forestry Department, Malaysia Security Council and the police.

"The Environment Department investigation team have collected samples and forwarded them to the Chemistry Department for analysis.

"The Environment Department and MMA are also engaged in surveillance activities to find the source of pollution," he said.

Those with information are urged to call the Environment Department at 1-800 88 2727, email [e-mail] or its online reporting portal at https://eaduan.doe.gov.my.