Pahang Fisheries Department director Adnan Hussain has warned the public not to consume seafood obtained from bauxite-contaminated waters off Pahang.

He said this as water samples had been taken from the affected areas for laboratory analyses to determine the safety of the marine products.

"The results of the tests are expected to be known within two weeks. Meanwhile, we advise the public not to eat molluscs (from these areas)," he said.

Adnan also advised against fishing activities, which he said were not suitable in these areas due to the current high level of turbidity.

He said previous tests carried out by the Fisheries Department on the mineral content - following the murky shade of red in the rivers and sea - found that the level was not high.

Meanwhile, Pahang Department of Environment deputy director Zainal Abidin Abdullah said the red water of the rivers and sea was due to land- clearing activities, leading to water run-off after the recent heavy rains.

He added that the situation was worsened when the surface water flow had been contaminated with bauxite on the roads, which had spilled off while being transported.

"The increased water flow during the heavy rains also caused silting in the turbulent river waters, mixed with bauxite from the water run-off.

"All these elements then flow into the rivers before going into the sea, and the large quantity causes the red river and sea phenomenon," he told Bernama when contacted in Kuantan yesterday.

For instance, Zainal Abidin said, land clearing in Bukit Goh would affect Sungai Kuantan, while that in the Beserah area would affect Sungai Balok and Sungai Karang.

He acknowledged that the situation would return to normal soon, but was subject to the sea tide.

Meanwhile, state public utilities and environment committee chairperson Mohd Soffi Abd Razak confirmed that the Pahang government had taken samples from rivers affected by the phenomenon to identify the causes.

He said the investigations involving various agencies were being conducted to ensure the phenomenon did not recur in the future - as Sungai Balok and Pantai Batu Hitam were not just tourist attractions, but also provided revenue to the local fishermen.

"We have to carry out the investigations; not accusing anyone. For instance, Sungai Balok affects a large area and there are development and mining activities near the river.

"It is better to determine the cause so that action can be taken. The results of the investigation will be tabled at the state exco meeting," he told reporters after visiting the Sungai Balok fisherman's jetty in Kuantan yesterday.

Meanwhile, state health department director Dr Zainal Ariffin Omar said to date, there had not been any health-related cases connected to the red river and sea waters.

- Bernama