Dead Fish In Sungai Ketil Spark Fears Of River Pollution

GUA MUSANG, April 17 (Bernama) -- Visitors to Taman Rimba here were shocked by the pollution in Sungai Ketil when hundreds of fish were found floating along a 20-metre stretch of the area today, raising concerns about the safety of the river’s water.

The incident was noticed by a resident at about 7.45 am when he went down to the riverbank to fish.

Muhammad Che Mahmood, 29, said that apart from the dead fish, several species such as baung, sebarau, tengas and kenerak were also seen surfacing and gasping for air, believed to be due to a lack of oxygen.

He said the murky and dark-coloured river water was initially thought to be caused by heavy rain the previous night, but further observation found that there were small bubbles on the surface of the water.

“When observed closely, the bubbles actually came from fish gasping for air. This situation is very sad, indeed," he said when met at the scene.

Meanwhile, another visitor, Muhammad Afif Sukhairi, 28, described the incident as very disappointing, saying Sungai Ketil is a popular spot for recreation, especially on weekends.

He said the river is usually lively early in the morning with visitors coming to swim and have picnics, but today the atmosphere was quiet due to the murky water and the presence of fish carcasses along the riverbank and rocks.

“I’m worried that this pollution could affect the health of visitors,” he said.

Meanwhile, Gua Musang district officer Mohd Roshdi Ismail said he had notified of the incident, and that he would refer the matter to the Department of Environment and the state Fisheries Department.

-- BERNAMA