IPOH: Disposing of used cooking oil in drains and rivers remains one of the most harmful yet often overlooked forms of pollution, says a water conservation advocate.
Persatuan Suara Air Kinta Perak founder M. Malliga (pic) said many households and small businesses still pour used oil directly into drainage systems, unaware of the damage it causes to water quality and the environment.
“One litre of oil can contaminate up to one million litres of water.
“A simple act like pouring oil down the drain leads to clogged waterways, pollution, the death of aquatic life, and long-term harm to Malaysia’s water sources,” she said during an awareness campaign at Taman Chemor Idaman recently.
She said the impact may not be immediately visible, but the consequences are far-reaching.
“Every drop of oil entering our drains is essentially poisoning the water our children will depend on in the future. Protecting our water starts with responsible actions at home,” she added.
Malliga explained that oil entering drains or rivers forms a thick layer on the surface, preventing oxygen from reaching the water below.
“This suffocates fish, plants, and other aquatic life, damaging entire ecosystems. When oil mixes with rubbish, mud and other waste, it forms a heavy, sticky mass that clogs drains and pollutes waterways,” she said.
The mixture of used oil, sewage and rubbish, she added, creates toxic water that carries bacteria and viruses harmful to humans, animals and the environment.
“Oil also sticks to the sides of drains and hardens over time, forming thick layers of grease that eventually cause blockages and can contribute to flash floods during heavy rain,” she said.
Malliga noted that such pollution ultimately affects the wider community.
“When drains and rivers become dirty and foul-smelling, it affects local businesses and tourism. Local councils also have to spend more on maintenance,” she said.
Malliga urged the public to collect their used cooking oils and hand them over to authorised agencies for proper disposal.
“Used cooking oil can be recycled into biofuel. I hope more awareness can be created, because how we treat our oil waste today will have an impact on the environment future generations inherit,” she said.
