Austin Camoens, The Star 6 May 10;
JOHOR BARU: Fishermen here are fearing for their livelihood following a recent oil spill that contaminated the waters near Kampung Senibong.
Senibong fishermen’s community chief Yacob Shadan said that since the oil spill three days ago, many of the fish he had in a kelong there were in dire straits due to lack of oxygen in the water.
He said 60 licensed fishermen were affected by the oil spill, which he believes came from a vessel berthed in Singapore waters.
“If the fish continue to be exposed to the oil, our livelihood will be threatened,” he told reporters during a visit by Permas assemblyman M.M. Samy to the area yesterday.
Yacob said that this was the first case of water pollution in the area since the village was established some 100 years ago.
“We first detected the oil spill on Monday. Many of us noticed a strong diesel-like smell coming from the sea,” he said.
Yacob said heavy rain and the tide had since lessened the pollution, but many fish were fighting for survival as they had oil stuck to their gills and scales.
Meanwhile, Samy said he was there to gauge the seriousness of the problem.
“The Department of Environment as well as the Fisheries Department have been notified.
“Investigations are under way to determine the source of the oil spill,” he said, adding that he would also be contacting the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency to ensure oil spills do not occur in the area.
Fishermen fear oil spill could destroy their catch
The Star 7 May 10;
JOHOR BARU: The Department of Environment (DOE) is investigating the source of the oil spill affecting fishermen at Kampung Senibong here.
DOE director Dr Zulkifli Abdul Rahman said:
“We are aware of the oil spill and an investigation is under way.” Samples of the polluted water has been collected and sent to the state Chemistry Department to determine the type of oil contaminating the waters there, he added.
He said that this was the first reported case of an oil spill in the area. It was detected off the shoreline in the area four days ago.
Local fishermen believe the source of the contamination was a vessel berthed in Singapore.
It was reported in The Star yesterday that more than 60 fishermen were worried for their fish in “kelongs” which were said to be affected by the lack of oxygen in the water due to the contamination.
Those with information on, or affected by, the pollution can lodge a report with the DOE through its hotline 1800 88 2727 or with the Johor office by calling 07-2366528.
