GEORGE TOWN: The Consumers' Association of Penang (CAP) has expressed regret over the actions of irresponsible quarters, who are throwing and burning waste in Pulau Jerejak here.
According to CAP president Mohideen Abdul Kader, such actions are not only against the law, but also pollutes the surrounding areas.
"We have received complaints from local fishermen that such actions have been going on for a long time now but no action has been forthcoming by anyone.
"We are made to understand that there is a possibility that nearby fish farm operators may be responsible for the throwing and burning of waste on the island.
"As such, we are urging the Penang Island City Council (MBPP), the Department of Environment and the Marine Department to look into the matter and take the necessary action to resolve the long-standing issue," he said today.
Elaborating, Mohideen said the irresponsible quarters are also throwing waste, especially plastics, into the sea, which affected fishing activities by local fishermen.
According to him, fishermen in the area are not only "affected" by the mushrooming of fish farms but also threats from plastic wastes thrown into the sea, which causes the fans of their boats to be damaged and foreign objects to be stuck to their nets.
"CAP fears that if this problem is left unsolved, it will lead to serious environmental pollution and threaten the marine live as well as the safety of the fisherfolk in future.
"We urge the authorities to probe the matter and make public their findings. Legal action should be taken against those responsible," he added.