IPOH, Sept 1 — Environmental group Persatuan Aktivis Sahabat Alam (Kuasa) has raised concerns over alleged river pollution in Kampung Sitiawan, Manjung, after photographs and videos shared on social media showed dead fish and crabs.

Kuasa said in a statement that it received complaints about the incident yesterday morning through social media posts shared by members of the public.

The group said two separate posts included photographs and videos that it claimed provided clear evidence of pollution in the river and the deaths of aquatic species.

“Based on preliminary observations and investigations carried out by members of the public around the factory, a glove manufacturer is suspected of being responsible for the pollution,” it said.

However, the group said the matter should be thoroughly investigated by the relevant authorities to determine the source and cause of the pollution.

Kuasa said the incident was particularly worrying as the pollution could affect the health and quality of the river ecosystem and disrupt the food chain in Manjung, especially around Sitiawan.

It added that the affected area was also a popular fishing spot, raising concerns that catches from the contaminated waters could potentially affect humans and other animals that depend on the river’s biodiversity as a food source.

“The pollution issue has been reported by Kuasa and members of the public to the authorities for further action,” it said.

The environmental group also commended residents in the surrounding area for taking the initiative to document the alleged pollution and lodge reports with the relevant authorities.

“Although Kuasa is deeply disappointed by this pollution incident, we are proud of the proactive actions taken by members of the public around the affected area who documented the incident and reported it to the authorities,” it said.

Kuasa said protecting the environment was a shared responsibility, including ensuring that investors and authorities fulfilled their respective obligations.

“We believe that the power of the people must be strengthened to protect the environment in our country,” it added.

Meanwhile, Perak Science, Environment and Green Technology Committee chairman Teh Kok Lim said the authorities were aware of the alleged river pollution.

Teh said the Department of Environment (DOE) had begun investigating the incident.

“The investigation by DOE was carried out on Saturday, and we are still awaiting the report,” he said.