Johor DoE probes blackened Sungai Sayong

Johor DoE probes blackened Sungai Sayong

JOHOR BARU: The Johor Department of Environment (DoE) and the state Fisheries Department are investigating pollution in Sungai Sayong at Kampung Orang Asli Sayong Pinang after the river turned murky and blackish this morning.

Panti assemblyman Hahasrin Hashim said he had received complaints from residents and immediately requested both departments to identify the source of the pollution and assess its impact on the environment and local fisheries.

“River pollution is a serious matter. It directly affects residents, inland fishermen, the river ecosystem, and environmental sustainability. We cannot compromise on any pollution that threatens the safety and well-being of the community,” he said in a statement on his Facebook page tonight.

Following reports of discolouration, the Johor DoE conducted an inspection at 3.15pm.

“The DoE team arrived at the Kampung Orang Asli Sayong Pinang jetty and confirmed that the river water appeared dark and blackish. A representative of the residents, Azman Inam, who filed the complaint, was also interviewed to gather further information,” he said.

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The incident was first noticed around 10am. Initial checks found no evidence of fish deaths in the river or in cages owned by residents.

The complainant indicated that the discoloured water was believed to have originated from the direction of an oil palm mill.

Water quality tests using a YSI probe were conducted by the DoE at the site.

However, Hahasrin said investigations revealed no effluent discharge from the KKSPenggeli mill.

Surface runoff from the Empty Fruit Bunch (EFB) area was found to be channelled into a well before entering a facultative pond.

Drone surveillance and drain inspections also showed no signs of overflow or effluent leaks.

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Preliminary findings suggest there was no evidence linking the mill to the pollution in Sungai Sayong, but investigations will continue further upstream to identify the actual source.

Hahasrin expressed his appreciation to vigilant residents and the swift response from the Johor DoE and Fisheries Department, adding that he would continue to monitor the situation to ensure environmental sustainability and the well-being of residents.

On Oct 31 last year, three villages – Kampung Orang Asli Sayong Pinang, Kampung Orang Asli Pasir Intan, and Kampung Orang Asli Kempas Menang – were affected by river pollution after a sand-washing pond burst in Ulu Sungai Johor. https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2025/11/1326837/sungai-johor-polluti…

The incident severely disrupted fishing activities and caused water supply interruptions across Johor Bahru, Kulai, Pontian, and Kota Tinggi districts. – BERNAMA