IWK, DOE told to come clean on Sg Batu Ferringhi pollution

0

GEORGE TOWN: Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng wants   Indah Water Konsortium (IWK) and the Department of Environment (DOE) to be transparent in identifying the source of pollution at Sungai Batu Ferringhi.

In a statement issued yesterday, he said explanation by the two agencies needed to be made public even though the river water has improved and beaches cleansed to ensure no such incidents recur.

Lim said such a large scale pollution could have only come from a major source such as an institution and was not likely to be from an individual or an operator.

“This is more so when the video by the Drainage and Irrigation Department (DID) clearly showed an IWK pipe discharging dark coloured liquid into Sungai Batu Ferringhi.

“As such, those entrusted to preserve and protect the environment such as IWK and DOE should fulfil their responsibilities,” he said.

The Batu Ferringhi beach pollution which was reported in the media since Feb 3, attracted public attention since the area is a popular tourist destination.

In this regard, a series of tests were conducted by the parties involved to determine the source of pollution and initial tests showed the presence of escherichia coli or e-coli in the samples taken from Sungai Batu Ferringhi.

However, on Feb 10, chemical analyses showed that the water quality of Batu Ferringhi beach was in compliance with the criteria and standards for marine water quality for recreational and resort beach. — Bernama