R.S.N. MURALI The Star 23 Apr 15;
MALACCA: Thousands of dead tilapia fish have been found floating along the Malacca River near Kampung Enam by the city centre here.
The dead fish were found floating along a 3km-long stretch of the river and preliminary checks showed the cause to be poisoning.
State Housing, Local Government and Environment committee chairman Datuk Ismail Othman said the report from the Department of Environment on the incident would be discussed at the exco meeting today.
He said tests conducted on water samples showed the river’s pH scale and oxygen level to be normal.
On Tuesday, residents living along the riverbank complained about a strong stench due to the dead fish that were clogging up the river from Kampung Enam to Bachang,.
A resident named Latipah Abdul Wahab, 44, said the stench was unbearable.
“I could not even cook for the whole day because of the strong smell,” she said.
Special officer under the Development and Programme Co-ordination of Kesidang state constituency Harun Ali said it was the first time such an incident happened near the area.
“I believe it was caused by hazardous material that was discharged into the river by irresponsible individuals,” he said.
Workers from several government agencies were roped in to clear the fish carcasses and almost 95% of the affected area was cleared by 4.30pm yesterday.
