GEORGE TOWN: THE murkish effluent spotted seven months ago at the estuary of Sungai Batu Ferringhi is still apparent.
However, checks by Streets yesterday found no foul smell emanating from the river mouth unlike before.
A few tourists were spotted swimming at the beach in the past week.
According to a water sports operator, Abdullah Nobulnah, 28, the number of tourists has decreased.
“Every year on Malaysia Day, there are thousands of tourists on the beach, but this year, there is only half of the usual number.
“Many are refusing to swim in the sea due to noticeable black patches along the shoreline.”
In February, the New Straits Times front-paged the Batu Ferringhi pollution story which highlighted a black, foul-smelling stream polluting the river.
Black substance was being discharged from an Indah Water Konsortium (IWK) pipe seven months ago.
The IWK admitted that a loose valve in the aeration tank had spewed effluent into the river for 20 minutes.
Steps have been taken by the Department of Environment (DoE) to mitigate this problem. Water samples found an alarming level of the Escherichia coli or E.coli bacteria.
It is learnt that DoE are taking water samples on a weekly basis to ensure that water tainted with dangerous bacteria is not discharged into the sea.
Meanwhile, 38-year-old tourist, Merc’e Bartrolich, said she preferred the beaches in Langkawi.
“I see more people swim at Pantai Cenang, which is cleaner and safer. I dare not swim in Batu Ferringhi which is dirtier,” said the Spanish national.
Bartrolich said she was in Langkawi for almost two months during the recent Hari Raya season and plans to go back there soon.