ALOR STAR: The Department of Environment (DoE) has identified pollution in the waters of Sungai Kulim, believed to be caused by improper disposal of waste from pig farming activities in Penang.
Kedah DoE director Sharifah Zakiah Syed Sahab said that on-site investigations in the upstream area of Sungai Kulim were conducted following a Level 1 Notification of Pollution Event (NPE) on Feb 16.
"Our investigative team noticed a flow of black water from Sungai Air Merah into Sungai Kulim. We proceeded to trace the source along Sungai Air Merah.
"Drone surveillance along Sungai Air Merah pinpointed the origin of the black water. We suspect this pollution arises from the disposal practices of pig farms in Kampung Sungai Lembu near Seberang Perai Tengah in Penang," she said in a statement today.
Sharifah Zakiah said checks in the vicinity of the pig farm found multiple ponds leaking pollutants into Sungai Air Merah, which subsequently flows into Sungai Kulim.
"Our measurements indicated that the levels of Ammonia-Nitrogen (NH3-N) reached 2.91152 mg/l, surpassing acceptable limits.
"The findings have been forwarded to the Penang DoE, prompting action from local authorities," she added.
Commenting further, she urged all parties to cease polluting rivers as pollution can lead to the closure of water treatment plants (WTP) and affect domestic water supply.
"The pig farms are located 3km from the Sungai Air Merah and Sungai Kulim junction. Notably, the Toh Allang WTP in Sungai Kulim, which serves Penang, is situated roughly 7km from this juncture," she added.