Dolphins spotted in Penang waters

GEORGE TOWN: A pod of dolphins swimming just off the Penang Bridge today morning captured the attention of motorists crossing the bridge.

Commuters on motorcycles stopped by the side to take in the rare sight during the 9am incident.

About four of the mammals could be seen playfully frolicking and breaking through the surface of the water before swimming off after a few minutes.

The last sightings of such mammals was reportedly in September and October last year near Batu Ferringhi.

A dolphin pod, spotted and caught on footage swimming near the Tanjung Bungah coast in 2012, also caused excitement among the nature loving community in Penang.

Commenting on the matter, Penang Environment Committee chairman Phee Boon Poh said this showed Penang waters were becoming cleaner due to efforts by the state government and Department of Environment (DoE).

He said the DoE conducted frequent water testing to monitor the water quality in and around the state.

"We can see an increase in biodiversity now," he said when asked during a press conference today.