SAM president Meenakshi Raman said, as a result, the drains going toward the North-South Expressway had a thick sludge, which was described as “black, dirty, smelly, and oily”.

“We feel the main cause of this is not just sewerage from the factories nearby. Pig farms, too, are the main contributor to this pollution of the drains.

“I am sure those driving past Bukit Tambun and Batu Kawan on the PLUS expressway would often get a whiff of this stench.

“We have repeatedly raised this issue over the past two years, but no clear clean-up work has begun.”

The areas of concern are Parit Paya Mahang B, Sg Bakar Arang and a few other areas in South Seberang Perai, near Batu Kawan, Valdor and Nibong Tebal.

Meenakshi said if this issue continues to be ignored, it would only turn the nearest river, Sungai Jawi, to become more polluted than it already is.

She also said nearby industries have also been flushing untreated wastewater into Sungai Jawi and its tributaries.

“Checks must be done on all factories and piggeries nearby to check whether they are meeting the standards in discharging effluents.

“If this matter is not treated urgently, it might prove more costly to clean up in the future.

“We urge the authorities to not compromise with these offenders and charge them under the Environmental Quality Act 1974. The local authorities in Penang must resolve this pollution immediately.”

FMT has contacted state Public Works Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari and Seberang Perai mayor Rozali Mohamud for comment and are awaiting their replies.