GEORGE TOWN, May 13 (Bernama) -- The Penang State Fisheries Department conducted resampling today at Sungai Kuala Juru in Bukit Mertajam to monitor critical parameters, including biotoxins, heavy metals and water quality.
In a statement, the department said the immediate action followed reports of pollution and water quality disruption that could threaten local fisheries and aquaculture.
"This resampling aims to ensure the safety of fisheries products and support more comprehensive, data-driven pollution trend analysis.
"Sungai Kuala Juru is a key seafood production zone in Penang, with a 567-hectare cockle farming area spanning 27 active lots," the statement read.
The department also noted that the disruption has affected the welfare of 209 marine fishermen and aquaculture operators.
It added that monitoring is also underway at seven siakap fish and white prawn farms covering 72.69 hectares, along with a detailed assessment to determine the economic impact and estimated losses for follow-up action.
Meanwhile, Penang Fisheries director Azimah Jumatli said the department is focusing on field monitoring, technical assessments, and ongoing support to minimise the impact on fishermen's and farmers' incomes.
"We are carrying out further analysis to distinguish potential sources of organic pollution. Comprehensive lab tests are also being conducted with the Fisheries Research Institute in Batu Maung and the Selangor Fisheries Biosecurity Centre to pinpoint the exact cause of the water quality disruption," she said.
Yesterday, about 100 cockle farmers and fishermen in Kampung Kuala Juru voiced concerns over Sungai Juru's pollution, which they said has worsened over the past year and hurt their livelihoods.
Penang Consumer Association president Mohideen Abdul Kader said the pollution, suspected to be from industrial waste and shrimp farm discharge, has cut farmers' and fishermen's income by more than 50 per cent following cockle and fish deaths in the river.
-- BERNAMA
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