EXCO: P.D. RIVER POLLUTED BY PIG, FROG FARMING
Water samples taken from Kg C’s river show traces of fat and sludge
PIG and frog farming activities are believed to be the cause of river pollution in Kampung C, Port Dickson.
Negri Sembilan Health, Environment, Cooperatives and Consumerism Committee chairman S. Veerapan said based on complaints lodged by villagers on March 31, the cause of pollution was believed to be an oily sludge discharged into the river.
“The state Department of Environment (DoE) dispatched its enforcement team to the location on the same day upon receiving the complaints, to carry out an investigation.
“DoE officials took water samples from the river,” he said in a statement here yesterday.
He said samples had also been sent to the Chemistry Department.
“Further investigations found that the likely cause of pollution was due to frog farming and pig slaughtering activities based on traces of fat and sludge found in the river.
“However, the pig slaughtering and frog farming are under the jurisdiction of the Veterinary Department and not the DoE.”
He said DoE would wait for the
full report of the chemical analysis before taking action.
“We will forward our findings to the Veterinary Department for action.”
Meanwhile, on the pollution of Sungai Lenggeng, Veerapan said an inspection conducted by the DoE on April 7 found that the pollution occurred at a creek known as Sungai Machang.
“Investigations found that the pollution was caused by Sungai Machang, which flows into Sungai Lenggeng.
“The water is murky and the DoE found that sand dredging activities are taking place on the upper part of Sungai Machang on a 16.67ha land.
“The (sand dredging) operator had received a permit from the Seremban District and Land Office and DoE is reviewing the matter.
“The activities are not subject to the Sand Mining Activities, Environmental Quality (Prescribed Activities) (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations 2015 and Environmental Quality Act 1974.
“They come under the supervision of the Land and Mines Office.”
Veerappan said the DoE found that the sand-dredging operator had failed to provide erosion and corrosion controls as recommended in the department’s review letter.
“DoE had submitted a letter to the relevant agencies for action.” he said.