BAYAN LEPAS: The muddy sludge, foul odours, and blackened water plaguing Pantai Esen may originate from several possible sources, the Department of Environment (DOE) said.
State DOE director Norazizi Adinan said the department has conducted an investigation and notified those involved in the Silicon Island development.
He added that the department will take samples and analyse the seawater quality first to provide a more definitive assessment and identify the cause of the pollution.
However, he noted that, regarding the foul odour, they suspected it could originate from nearby sewage or drainage systems entering the sea."
"We will take a closer look at the surrounding village, agriculture, and sewage system. The foul odour is something new.
"The last time, we focused more on suspended solids from floating sand.
"Now, samples for E. coli and oily matter need to be collected. The small gulf pocket coastline will collect and trap everything.
"Once we identify the pollutants, it will be easier to pinpoint the polluters," he told the New Straits Times.
He said this when asked to comment on the report that Pantai Esen, once a popular spot for visitors and photographers to admire sunsets, is now plagued by muddy sludge, foul odours, and blackened water.
The situation is believed to be linked to the nearby Silicon Island development, which has worsened over the past two months with increasingly unbearable smells.
Although the beach still offers stunning views, the odour is noticeable from 100m away. Due to the dark, muddy water, no visitors are seen swimming or playing in the area.
Norazizi said that if the mud is mixed with sewage, it becomes unsafe and the E. coli concentration might be high.
"But let the DOE take samples and analyse the seawater quality first to provide a more definitive assessment of the contaminants."
"We also want to know either its organics or inorganics," he added.