{
  "id": 13382603,
  "title": "Black river waters, dead fish leave Raub villagers worried",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/10/black-river-waters-dead-fish-leave-raub-villagers-worried",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-10T09:44:53.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/news/regional/2026/10/1552431/black-river-waters-dead-fish-leave-raub-villagers-worried"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Villagers in Raub are growing increasingly concerned as Sungai Gali, a well-known fishing location, has turned black and begun emitting a foul odor. Various species of deceased fish have been spotted floating downstream, leading to worries of severe water pollution. The river, typically brownish, underwent a dramatic color change several days ago, and villagers noticed dead fish floating on the surface. An upstream farmer observed the water turning black on Wednesday but did not initially suspect anything until dead fish were discovered the following day. Sungai Gali is a favored spot for fishing and net-casting activities, but the strong stench has deterred villagers from engaging in these activities. Dead fish include catfish and spiny eels, even tilan, known for its resilience in poor water conditions, have been found lifeless. The pollution is thought to have originated in Sungai Lampan and subsequently flowed downstream to other rivers along the waterway, including Sungai Gali. The villagers are apprehensive that the dark coloration might be due to toxic waste, which could impact their livelihoods reliant on fish caught in the river. So far, the discolored water has reached rivers in Kampung Kuala Gali and Pia. Everyone is worried because this is the first time the water has changed color. Dong assemblyman Datuk Fadzli Mohamad Kamal stated that Sungai Gali and Sungai Lampan have been severely polluted, endangering river ecosystems and disrupting villagers' daily lives. He urged immediate action to mitigate further damage and prevent the pollution from spreading to other waterways. Meanwhile, villager Ahmad Abdullah, 40, noted that residents typically cast their nets below the bridge in Kampung Sungai Pasu, where fish were abundant, including some unusually large catfish. The polluted river and dead fish have deterred anglers. He expressed doubt that anyone would return to cast their nets until authorities confirm the source of the pollution. Pahang Department of Environment director Zakaria Ahmad confirmed that water samples had been collected and were awaiting analysis by the Chemistry Department.",
  "summary": "RAUB: Frustration is mounting among villagers in Kampung Sungai Pasu after Sungai Gali, a popular fishing spot, turned black and began emitting a foul smell.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}