KUALA LUMPUR – The Consumers Association of Penang (CAP) has voiced concern over ongoing pollution in Sungai Ketil, Gua Musang, warning that the problem has lingered for more than five years without meaningful intervention.
In a statement today, CAP president Mohideen Abdul Kader said the association “regrets that the pollution problem is still ongoing, even though it has persisted for more than five years without effective action taken by the relevant authorities.”
The pollution has resulted in the deaths of fish species including kelah, baung, and lampam, severely affecting both the river ecosystem and the livelihoods of residents who rely on it.
“As a result of the incident, many fish species have been affected, thereby impacting the catch and source of income for residents in the area,” Mohideen added.
Local residents have claimed that factory waste discharged into the river is the main culprit, turning the water black, foamy, and foul-smelling.
CAP said it has repeatedly raised the matter with the Department of Environment Malaysia (DOE) Kelantan and local authorities, but similar incidents persist. The association stressed the need for stricter enforcement of the Environmental Quality Act 1974, urging authorities to impose appropriate penalties on those responsible.
“CAP believes that if this situation continues, the water quality will deteriorate further, and the fish may become extinct in the near future,” Mohideen warned.
The group also highlighted potential health risks if residents continue to use the contaminated river water for daily purposes.
CAP has called on the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES) to launch a thorough investigation and clarify why the issue remains unresolved despite repeated complaints.
“The investigation report and the actions taken should be disclosed to the public to ease their concerns,” Mohideen stressed further. – April 23, 2026