Dong assemblyman urges swift action as pollution turns two Raub rivers black, kills fish

RAUB: Two rivers near here, Sungai Gali and Sungai Lampan, have been severely polluted, with various fish species found dead in both waterways yesterday.

Dong assemblyman Datuk Fadzli Mohamad Kamal said the water had turned black and emitted a foul smell.

"I inspected the rivers after receiving complaints from nearby villagers. The situation is worrying, as even ikan tilan (spiny eels), which can survive in low-oxygen environments, have died," he said in a Facebook post today.

He said the pollution threatened river ecosystems and disrupted villagers' daily lives.

Fadzli said he inspected the rivers alongside representatives from the Raub District Office, the Department of Irrigation and Drainage and the police.

They also visited a location suspected to be the source of the pollution. He urged the Department of Environment to conduct an immediate investigation to determine the cause.

He warned that urgent action was needed to prevent further damage to the rivers and the pollution from spreading to other waterways.

"Sungai Gali flows into Sungai Dong, raising concerns that the pollution could affect other areas if left unchecked. We must not allow our rivers to continue falling victim to the greed of certain parties.

"Once the source is identified, long-term river rehabilitation measures must be implemented, and those responsible must face action in accordance with the law," he said.