KUANTAN: The foul smell in Sungai Balok and dead fish in a nearby estuary are believed to have been caused by the illegal dumping of industrial waste several days ago.
Beserah assemblyman Andansura Rabu said villagers near Sungai Balok alerted him about the odour on Aug 26, then he alerted the Department of Environment (DoE).
"The department went to the site to identify the cause. I was told last night that the smell is caused by toxic waste pollution.
"The waste was allegedly dumped into the river near the Taman Balok Baru housing area.
"Today, DoE and Fire and Rescue Department officers went to the site to identify the toxic material and the level of hazard.
"Initial checks found that the pollutant is not high-risk, but it has to be controlled to avoid long-term effects.
"During my visit to the site, residents told me the odour was disturbing and that dead fish were found floating in Sungai Balok.
"Based on my experience, the smell is caused by industrial waste and not pure chemical substances," he said in a Facebook posting today.
He said the DoE would appoint a licensed contractor to clean the pollutant and identify the errant party.
"The pollutant was most likely transported with a lorry before it was dumped into the river with a hose.
"Samples have been collected and sent to the Chemistry Department for analysis.
"We urge members of the public with information on the incident to contact the DoE or my service centre to help track down the culprits.
"Stern legal action will be taken against offenders who harm the environment."
The New Straits Times contacted the DoE for comment.