Pig Farming Not Sole Cause Of Sungai Kereh Pollution – Exco

GEORGE TOWN, May 12 (Bernama) -- Pollution in Kampung Selamat and Sungai Kereh in Tasek Gelugor is not solely caused by pig farming activities, but is also linked to several other sources.

Penang Local Government and Town and Country Planning Committee chairman H'ng Mooi Lye said other contributing factors include agricultural activities, waste discharge, drainage systems and environmental factors that fall under the jurisdiction of various agencies.

He said enforcement action is being carried out in an integrated manner involving the Department of Environment (DOE), local authorities, the Penang Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID) and other technical agencies to identify the actual causes of the pollution and implement corrective measures.

Among the measures being planned is the transfer of pig waste to the Ampang Jajar Transfer Station (SPAJ) to be processed as feedstock for an anaerobic digestion system.

"Through this process, organic waste is broken down in an oxygen-free environment to produce methane gas, which can be utilised as a renewable energy source," he said during the Penang State Legislative Assembly sitting today.

He was responding to a question from Mohd Sobri Saleh (PN-Permatang Berangan) on the number of complaints received over pollution in Sungai Kereh and the action taken by the state government.

H'ng said the initiative would not only help reduce river pollution and environmental risks, but also support sustainability efforts through more systematic waste management and the generation of green energy.

According to records from the Penang DOE, seven complaints related to water pollution and foul odour in Sungai Kereh were received between 2024 and this year.

He said field investigations, including site inspections, found drains overgrown with aquatic weeds, which may have slowed water flow and contributed to the odour problem.

-- BERNAMA