Sungai Lereh River Pollution: A Growing Concern for the Local Community and Fishermen
Introduction
The Sungai Lereh River in Melaka has been plagued by pollution issues for quite some time, with a total of 11 complaints lodged by the local community and fishermen between November 8, 2024, and March 1, 2023.
The Impact of Pollution on the Community and Fishermen
Assemblyman for Klebang, Datuk Lim Ban Hong, has stated that the pollution has caused the river water to turn black and foul-smelling, affecting the fishing activities of 85 fishermen in the area. These fishermen have also reported experiencing skin irritation and other health issues after coming into contact with the polluted water.
Sources of Pollution Identified
Lim has identified several sources of pollution, including the waste disposal site in Sungai Udang and industrial areas nearby. He emphasized that the Department of Environment (DOE) has been collecting water samples from the polluted river for analysis, but detailed findings have yet to be disclosed.
Call to Action
Lim called on the authorities, including the DOE, to take decisive action against those responsible for the pollution to prevent further damage to the existing ecosystem. He emphasized the need for immediate action to protect the environment and the livelihoods of the local community.
The Fishermen’s Perspective
Sungai Lereh Fishermen Community Association secretary, Zahnudin Aluwi, shared that river pollution has been an issue since 2023, directly affecting fishermen’s livelihoods by reducing their catch. He highlighted that pollution has particularly affected species such as ikan belanak (mullet) and freshwater prawns.
Conclusion
The Sungai Lereh River pollution issue has been a long-standing problem, and it is crucial that the authorities take immediate action to address the issue. The local community and fishermen are eagerly awaiting solutions to this problem, which has severely impacted their livelihoods.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How many complaints have been lodged regarding Sungai Lereh River pollution?
A: 11 complaints have been lodged between November 8, 2024, and March 1, 2023.
Q: What are the sources of pollution identified by the authorities?
A: The waste disposal site in Sungai Udang and industrial areas nearby have been identified as sources of pollution.
Q: What is the impact of pollution on the fishing activities?
A: The pollution has caused the river water to turn black and foul-smelling, affecting the fishing activities of 85 fishermen in the area. Fishermen have also reported experiencing skin irritation and other health issues after coming into contact with the polluted water.