CAP Urges Urgent Action As Soil Erosion Pollutes Kedah’s Teluk Nipah Coast

GEORGE TOWN, July 15 (Bernama) -- The seawater off the coast of Kampung Teluk Nipah, Kuala Muda in Kedah has turned red and muddy due to soil erosion from nearby hills, affecting the livelihood of nearly 100 coastal fishermen in the area.

Consumers' Association of Penang (CAP) president Mohideen Abdul Kader said the situation worsened when large waves hit the reclamation area and heavy rain caused further erosion of the exposed hills.

“If no preventive measures are taken, the affected slopes may collapse, leading to more severe environmental damage.

“CAP believes that if the root cause of the problem is not addressed, the environmental impact and the fishermen’s livelihoods will deteriorate further over time,” he said in a statement today.

He warned that pollution and sedimentation could lead to the extinction of marine life such as crabs, molluscs, fish and prawns in the area.

Mohideen said sediment buildup around the local jetty could lead to shallow waters, making it difficult for fishermen to land their catch, anchor their boats or access the sea for daily operations.

He urged the authorities to conduct a thorough investigation and take effective action to prevent the situation from continuing to harm the environment and jeopardising the livelihoods of the coastal fishing community.

“CAP also calls for the immediate construction of an erosion control barrier at the affected site to prevent further flow of sediment into the sea and protect the fishing grounds that support the income of local fishermen,” he said.

-- BERNAMA