GEORGE TOWN, March 22 – The Penang Consumer Association (CAP) is expressing deep concern over the persistent river pollution issue in Pasir Gudang, urging immediate action from the Johor government, the Department of Environment (DOE), and local authorities. Despite statements from the state Health and Environment Committee Chairman Ling Tian Soon, CAP regrets that rivers such as Sungai Tukang Batu, Sungai Perembi, Sungai Buluh, and Sungai Kim Kim continue to suffer from significant pollution levels, posing grave environmental and health risks to local communities and ecosystems.
With memories of the past toxic waste incident in Sungai Kim Kim still fresh, which adversely affected thousands of residents and students, CAP stresses the critical need for stricter enforcement of environmental laws and harsher penalties for polluters. The organization emphasizes the urgency of enhancing monitoring efforts and enforcing the Environmental Quality Act 1974 to combat illegal waste dumping effectively. Transparent reporting on the status of river pollution is urged to provide reassurance to affected communities and ensure the protection of public health and the environment.
