Johor asked to come clean on Strait study

New Straits Times » Local
Sim Bak Heng

JOHOR BARU, Oct 27:

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Two non-governmental organisations are putting the pressure on the Johor Fisheries Department to make public a study on the high lead and mercury content in the Johor Strait. The Federation of Malaysian Consumer Associations (Fomca) and the Malaysian Nature Society (MNS) claimed that the public deserve the right to know the severity of the pollution and the health impact by consuming any seafood caught in the waters.

They urged the department to be transparent as expected under the administration of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

Fomca director of communication Mohd Yusof Abdul Rahman said it is better to keep the public informed about the findings than to wait until someone is down with health problems.

"Is the department or the fishermen to be held liable for any untoward consequences as a result of consuming contaminated seafood caught in the polluted waters? "It is the job of the State Government to ensure fish and mussels caught in the areas are destroyed and not sold to the public.

"It is their responsibility to keep the content of heavy metals in the straits low through preventive measures. This is also the long-term measure to help the fishermen." Mohd Yusof was commenting on a New Straits Times report today that the high lead and mercury level in certain stretches of the strait, especially at the popular Lido Beach near the estuary of Sungai Skudai.

Medical experts here said excessive levels of lead and mercury can be harmful and may even lead to death.

It was also reported that the Malaysian Fisheries Development Authority is pressing for a report of the study before embarking on a multi-million ringgit mussel-breeding project in the Johor Strait.

Mohd Yusof suggested that the state government look for an alternative fishing ground for the affected fishermen so that their livelihood is not affected.

Meanwhile, MNS Johor branch advisor Vincent Chow urged the Johor Fisheries not to conceal the truth.

"While looking after the welfare of fishermen, the department should also care about the health of consumers." Chow believed the level of heavy metals in the straits is higher during dry season. He also suggested that more warning signboards be erected along stretches of the strait.

Sungai Skudai, which is one of the three most polluted rivers in Johor, flows into the Johor Strait (also referred to as the Selat Tebrau).

The others are Sungai Segget and Sungai Tebrau. Two other polluted rivers — Sungai Johor and Sungai Pasir Gudang — also flow into the Johor Strait.

These rivers have, over the years, become convenient dumping grounds for squatters, illegal factories and farms resulting in serious pollution.