IPOH: An environmental group has raised concerns over pollution at a river in Sitiawan after fish and other aquatic life were found dead.
Persatuan Aktivis Sahabat Alam (Kuasa) president Hawa Wahid said it received complaints from members of the public through social media regarding the pollution in Kampung Sitiawan here.
She said photographs and videos shared online showed what appeared to be pollution in the river, resulting in the deaths of aquatic species.
“A manufacturing factory in the area had been identified as a suspected source of the pollution by the public.
“However, the allegation was based on initial investigations by members of the public and we call for the relevant authorities to conduct further investigations,” she said in a statement.
Hawa added that the incident was worrying as the pollution could affect the quality and health of the river ecosystem and food chain in Manjung, particularly around Sitiawan.
She also pointed out that the affected area was a popular fishing spot, warning that catches from the polluted waters could potentially pose health risks to people and animals that depend on the river’s biodiversity as a food source.
“We have lodged reports with the relevant authorities for further action,” she said.
While expressing disappointment over the pollution, Hawa said the group welcomed the proactive action taken by members of the public who documented the incident and also reported it to the authorities.
“Protecting the environment was a shared responsibility, including ensuring that businesses and authorities fulfilled their respective responsibilities,” she added.
State science, environment and green technology committee chairman Teh Kok Lim, in a short reply, said the Environment Department has conducted an investigation into the matter on Saturday (Aug 29).
“We are still waiting for the results based on the findings,” he said.
