KOTA TINGGI: The Department of Environment (DoE) is investigating the cause behind the death of thousands of fish in Sungai Sayong, near the Orang Asli village of Sayong Pinang.
Johor State Health and Environment Committee chairman Ling Tian Soon said that the DoE promptly visited the site this morning after receiving complaints from the community.
He said that the DOE also gathered information from the village head (Tok Batin) to better understand the situation.
"However, inspections of the reported pollution site found no dead fish, likely due to the river's strong currents.
"Water samples from Sungai Sayong have been collected and sent to the Chemistry Department to identify the exact cause.
"Drone surveillance was also carried out, but no traces of black liquid were detected entering Sungai Sayong, including from a previously identified landfill," he added.
Azman Inang, a local Orang Asli resident and fisherman, said they first noticed a large number of dead fish at 8.30last night, which he believes was caused by river pollution.
"Our biggest concern is that this issue has occurred three times this month alone.
"Some of the fish species that died include catfish, tilapia, and various other freshwater species," he said.
He said whenever pollution strikes, local fishermen are unable to go out to fish, and many are forced to travel further, incurring higher costs to earn a living.
Earlier this year, more than 38 Orang Asli residents from Kampung Pasir Intan had to be relocated to a nearby community hall after experiencing shortness of breath and respiratory issues, following a foul odour from the Linggui River, a tributary of Sungai Sayong.