Sungai Kereh pollution: Penang vows action against offenders
GEORGE TOWN: Penang will intensify efforts to tackle pollution in Sungai Kereh, insisting that its causes must be established through evidence before action is taken against offenders.
George Town: Penang pledges to address pollution in Sungai Kereh, seeking evidence before penalizing offenders. State Local Government Committee chairperson Hng Mooi Lye emphasized the government's commitment to the issue, following calls for a nationwide pig farming ban. Kampung Selamat, home to 61 pig farms, is currently under scrutiny.
The investigation will examine pollution sources, including agriculture, waste disposal, and drainage systems. The Penang Department of Environment, local authorities, and other agencies are collaborating to identify culprits and ensure compliance with laws. Penang's Veterinary Services Department has implemented regulations for pig farming since 2016 and 2020, covering closed-house systems and wastewater treatment.
A meeting on May 11 outlined short-term and long-term waste management measures. Currently, waste from farms in Kampung Selamat is being transported to a biogas plant in Ampang Jajar, while waste from Seberang Prai Tengah has been sent to the Kampung Valdor biogas plant since 2026. A facility for Kampung Selamat is planned for the future.
Cleaning works at Parit Cina and Sungai Kereh are set to commence in the first quarter of next year to remove sediment and enhance water flow. Penang will enforce regulations against violators, balancing economic contributions with environmental protection and residents' well-being. The pollution issue has persisted for decades, with numerous protests over the years.
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