New Straits Times 26 Apr 14;
SLACK: Task force criticised for delay in punishing polluters of waterways and sea
GEORGE TOWN: IT has been one and a half month since a task force was set up by the state government to address the deterioration of Penang waterways and sea.
However, to date there has been no reports on these rivers and marine life or any action taken against polluters.
Non-governmental organisations disappointed with the lack of action have urged the state government to explain the delays.
Malaysian Nature Society Penang branch adviser D. Kanda Kumar said the state government should punish the polluters to show that it is serious in combating pollution.
"They formed a task force to tackle river and marine pollution but until now no action has been taken.
"This shows a lack of seriousness on their part," he said.
Kanda Kumar said the state government should at least explain to the public what was causing the delay.
"They should update us regularly and not leave us wondering," he added.
Also questioning the inaction was Sahabat Alam Malaysia (SAM) president SM Mohamed Idris who urged the state government to act swiftly.
"Survey the rivers in the state, identify the pollutants, look for the sources of pollutants and throw the book at the offenders.
"It is simple as that. People would then think twice about throwing their refuse into the river," he said, adding that he was appalled at the delay by the authorities to act.
In February, Local Government Committee chairman Chow Kon Yeow said the state government had set up a river and marine pollution task force, coordinated by the state Drainage and Irrigation Department (DID), to monitor the waterways and sea.
The members of the task force, which included the Department of Environment (DoE), Public Works Department and two local authorities, will be tasked with identifying polluters and to strictly enforce the law against them.
Meanwhile, Chow when contacted by Streets, said the task force was still preparing the report on the state rivers and marine.
"The DID and DoE are in the midst of preparing the report which will be presented at the state executive meeting early next month," he said.
