IPOH: The seawater at Teluk Akuan in Pantai Remis, Manjung, is in danger of being polluted due to "human activities" at a former permanent forest reserve location, says an environmental group.
Environmental Activists Society (Kuasa) secretary Noor Ismady Ahmad Radzuan said a survey conducted in the area found that the waterway and beach at Teluk Akuan have been contaminated with red soil, believed to be due to logging and land clearing activities.
"We've received some complaints from the local fishing community about the waters being polluted.
"We found that not only are the waterway and beach at Teluk Akuan filled with red soil sediment and stones, but a nearby waterfall has also been affected.
"Using a drone, we found tree stumps have been left behind at a former permanent forest reserve. There is a possibility of conditions being violated," he said in a statement on Friday (Jan 9).
Noor Ismady said a similar incident occurred in January 2021, with the waterway and beach in Teluk Akuan having been contaminated with red soil.
He said the authorities have taken action then but the issue has resurfaced.
"It is a concern, especially when the rainy season occurs, the effects will be worse.
"The area is rarely visited or monitored by the authorities, so it is easy for certain parties to take shortcuts to make a profit without ignoring the conditions," he added.
Noor Ismady said the authorities should take stricter action against those involved.
"We propose to withdraw the Environmental Impact Assessment approval and (operating) license of those involved be terminated immediately.
"There needs to be continuous, strict and efficient follow-up and monitoring actions to overcome this matter to guarantee the well-being of the environment and coastal communities," he added.
Perak environment committee chairman Teh Kok Lim has been reached out for comments.
