The Consumers Association of Penang (CAP) is shocked and disappointed by the Malacca River pollution which has caused the death of thousands of fish due to poisoning in the river recently.

CAP urges the Malacca state government, the Department of Environment (DOE) and the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID) to promptly investigate the pollution problem and disclose the results of their investigation to the public as soon as possible.

Commenting on a report in a local newspaper ( Utusan Malaysia , April 22, 2015) about the incident, CAP urged the authorities to take stern action against those involved in polluting the river and impose severe penalties commensurate with the offence committed.

Two days ago, the residents of Kampung Baru Sungai Melaka living nearby discovered thousands of dead fish floating along a 3km section of this river, believed to be caused by toxic substance contamination.

CAP views this pollution problem as a serious matter because it not only affects the quality of the river water and has killed thousands of fish in it, but can also spread to the nearby sea and threaten fishery resources and the livelihood of local fishermen.

CAP is concerned and believes that if immediate steps are not taken by the authorities, adverse effects on the environment will occur more seriously in the future. CAP believes that concerted action by all departments and agencies involved with this matter has to be expedited so that the problem can be addressed effectively.

CAP hopes that the DOE, DID and local authorities will continuously monitor areas that are identified as those which may trigger environmental problems along this river.

SM MOHAMED IDRIS is president, Consumers Association of Penang (CAP).