KUALA LUMPUR — The Consumers’ Association of Penang (CAP) has urged authorities to act decisively against those responsible for a pollution incident that turned Sungai Marong in Jelebu black and foamy.
“CAP urges the Department of Environment (DoE) of Negeri Sembilan to take firm action against those responsible,” its president, Mohideen Abdul Kader, said in a statement today, citing an April 3 Berita Harian report on the incident near Kampung Lakai.
Mohideen said the pollution has already led to fish deaths, heightening concerns over environmental damage and potential public health risks.
Jelebu District Fisheries Officer Mohd Azhar Jusoh confirmed investigations were initiated following complaints from local fishermen, with officers finding the river water discoloured and foamy.
“Water and fish samples were taken and sent to the Fisheries Biosecurity Laboratory in KLIA to determine the exact cause. A police report has also been lodged,” he said.
Mohideen called for a thorough investigation and strict enforcement under the Environmental Quality Act 1974, including heavy penalties for offenders.
He also urged the DoE and the Fisheries Department to promptly disclose findings from water quality tests and fish carcass analyses.
Beyond the immediate impact, Mohideen warned the incident could disrupt fishermen’s livelihoods and pose health risks if contaminated fish enter the food chain.
He expressed sympathy for affected fishermen and called for fair compensation, while stressing the need to prevent a recurrence. — April 6, 2026