Dead fish and crabs raise pollution concerns in Sitiawan river, DOE investigates

Kampung Sitiawan in Manjung has raised concerns over alleged river pollution after photographs and videos circulating on social media showed dead fish and crabs. The environmental group Persatuan Aktivis Sahabat Alam (Kuasa) reported receiving complaints about the issue via social media posts from concerned citizens. Two separate posts included visual evidence of the pollution, with Kuasa asserting that it appeared to show a factory responsible for the contamination.

The group urged the authorities to thoroughly investigate the matter to identify the source and cause of the pollution. This incident is particularly worrisome as it could impact the health and quality of the river ecosystem, disrupting the food chain in the Manjung region, especially near Sitiawan. The affected area is also a popular fishing spot, raising concerns about potential health risks for humans and animals that rely on the river's biodiversity as a food source.

Kuasa commended the residents for documenting the pollution and reporting it to the authorities, emphasizing that protecting the environment is a shared responsibility. The Department of Environment (DOE) confirmed they are investigating the matter, having begun their probe on Saturday, with the investigation report still pending.