Melaka river turns black due to suspected pollution

MELAKA: Pollution has caused the Melaka river to turn black and foul-smelling since yesterday, especially in Taman Rempah area.

State Health and Anti-Drugs exco Low Chee Leong said the pollution was believed to have originated from Batu Hampar Dam in Batu Berendam and an immediate shut down order had been issued to prevent escalation of the problem.

“We worry that the pollution will get worse and don't want a repeat of Johor's Sungai Kim Kim chemical pollution here,” said Low, who is also Kota Laksamana state assemblyman.

“We have asked the Department of Environment (DoE) and Health Department to take immediate action and get a sample of the contaminated river water and the dead fish for analysis to find out the cause and level of pollution,” he said during a visit at Melaka River Cruise Jetty in Taman Rempah today.

Also present was Melaka River and Coastal Development Corporation chief executive officer Azlan Abidin.

According to Azlan, at midnight, the corporation is planning to flush the water out to sea by opening the water lock at the river mouth.

He said this morning about 60 of his staff were involved in cleaning up the dam of dead fish and rubbish.

“According to the initial information from our technical staff, the pollution came from Batu Hampar area and they are now moving further outside to locate the source (of the pollution).

"In the Malim district, the water has also turned black and samples have been taken for checks,” he said.

Azlan said the corporation has been receiving complaints from the public, including passengers of the Melaka River Cruise, about the foul smell and change in colour of Melaka river.

He added that if the problem persisted, the corpaoration would have to temporarily shut down the cruise operations. - Bernama