River polluters may face future action By Shalina R.
PENAMPANG: Those caught dumping manufacturing waste into Moyog River may need to brace for future action from relevant government departments.
“I’ve been made to understand that the main cause of the Moyog River pollution is waste disposal, domestic sewage disposal, agriculture-based industry pollutants, animals, water running from earthworks and area clean-up as well as effluent discharge from manufacturing activities.
“I believe this issue or problem is still widespread around or along the Moyog River,” said Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Masidi Manjun, whose speech was delivered by assistant minister Datuk Pang Yuk Ming, at the 2017 Penampang District Level Pesta Rakit at Kampung Terawi Jetty here yesterday.
“I call upon the related departments to take effective action to stop the various Moyog River pollution problems. I think there is no problem with Moyog River downstream because it was once a life source for the community here. Humans that are causing the problem to our river are especially from the industrial activities,” he added.
The minister believes the proper action from related departments and the community as a whole can spur a change in the Moyog River condition.
“Recreational sports activity with the beautiful river theme along the clean Moyog River later can be run well and with confidence,” he said.
The 2017 Penampang District Level Pesta Rakit was organized in conjunction with World Rivers Day by the Penampang District Office, Sabah Drainage and Irrigation Department, the Village Development and Security Committee and CLEAR (Community-Led Environmental Awareness for our River) with the cooperation of the Penampang community.