They claimed oil pollution in the North Channel had been happening often, as many shipping vessels indiscriminately dump oil in the waterways.
In an interview with Sahabat Alam Malaysia, a group of fishermen at the Paramount Jetty near Northam Road revealed the shore was being regularly polluted by discharge from shipping vessels — way before Friday night’s oil spill.
“According to the fishermen, the sources of pollution cannot be identified because such discharges normally occur at night.
“Early in the morning, fishermen report visible traces of oil, which can be observed on the shoreline,” SAM President S M Mohamed Idris said in a statement today.
Idris said the maritime authorities must be vigilant over movements in the sea to ensure polluters were nabbed on the spot.
He said the maritime authorities must also extend the courtesy to the Penang government and alert them about such mishaps.
“The Penang Government had complained that it was informed of the oil spill some 24 hours after the incident occurred.
“In this case, the Department of Environment has overall responsibility over the oil spill response, with the major operating role falling to the Marine Department,” Idris added.
He said the authorities must seek compensation for affected fishermen and the cost of cleaning up the fouled-up shores.
“The responsible authority must also take into account the cost of reinstatement of the environment and also damages suffered by fishermen and other sectors,” he said.
Related stories:
15 tonnes of fuel oil involved in Penang spill
Reaction to oil spill not quick enough