TBRA
CALLS FOR URGENT ACTION TO STOP METAL POLLUTION IN PENANG’S NORTH
COAST SEAS
The
Tanjung Bungah Residents’ Association is very alarmed and expresses
deep concerns over the findings of very high levels of heavy metals
in the sea waters off Tanjung Bungah as well as the Penang National
Park in Teluk Bahang.
According
to a report in the media today, very high levels of nickel have been
found with concentrations as high as 944% higher than normal levels
in the sea off the Penang National Park.
According
to studies done by Universiti Sains Malaysia’s Centre for Marine
and Coastal Studies (CEMACS), high levels of lead were also found
(above 184% of normal levels) while cadmium was 32% higher than
normal.
These
findings are highly alarming and have been found along the island’s
north coast since last month and may be causing the death to marine
life, according to Professor Datuk Dr. Aileen Tan of CEMACS.
According
to media reports, Prof. Tan has alerted the authorities, including
the Department of Environment and the Fisheries Department over the
findings but the source of the pollution has not been determined.
Since
no industrial activity and development is allowed in the Penang
National Park, Prof. Tan is quoted as saying that “the only logical
explanation for this pollution is that passing ships could be dumping
something,” which may have been going on for sometime now, given
the high levels of the metals.
TBRA
echoes the concerns raised by CEMACS and we call on the Penang State
Government to convene an emergency task force with all the relevant
authorities involved, to address the source of the heavy metal
pollution and take all necessary measures to stop the pollution,
including in alerting and warning the public about the dangers of
swimming in such waters.
The
north coast seas of Teluk Bahang and Tanjung Bungah are popular
swimming sites for both local and foreign tourists, the public is
totally in the dark about the pollution.
Nickel,
cadmium and lead are highly toxic heavy metals and are dangerous to
humans and marine life, and it is indeed worrying that no action
appears to have been taken thus far, despite the high levels of
pollution found.
The
Federal and State authorities must act urgently to stop the pollution
of our seas and safeguard and protect both public health and the
destruction of the marine life.
Ms.
Meena Raman,
Chairperson,
