Leachate from landfill affecting fish breeding activities of Pulau Burung fishermen

NIBONG TEBAL: Fishermen here are concerned that leachate from a landfill in Pulau Burung will affect their fish breeding activities.
Speaking at a press conference at Changkat Jetty here, Penang Fishermen Association chairman Nazri Ahmad said fishermen, especially fish breeders, had suffered loses, as fishes have died in large numbers since July this year.
Nazri said the landfill in Pulau Burung did not have any system to prevent the leachate.
"The landfill only has catchment ponds to block the leachate, but the bund is built with red earth, not concrete.
"The leachate overflows into the coast when it rains, or when the bund leaks," he told reporters.
Nazri urged the state government and other related government agencies to resolve the matter because the issue has been raised many times previously.
He said the state government should build a comprehensive treatment plant to manage leachate in Pulau Burung.
Nibong Tebal Fish Farm Association chairman Tioh Tiang Lai said the leachate in the catchment ponds was a ticking bomb as it could lead to more fishes dying.
Fishermen's Right Association vice chairman Badrul Hisham Hashim said he is concerned about the quality of fish at the fish farms here as the fishes may be polluted by the leachate.
"The related agencies, including the Fisheries Department, and the Department of Environment must ensure fishes are safe for consumption," he added.
Seberang Perai Municipal Council (MPSP) president Datuk Rozali Mohamud could not be reached at the time of writing.