Kelebang assemblyman Lim Ban Hong said this was the finding of an initial investigation carried out by the Melaka department of environment (DoE) which had taken water samples from the river after receiving complaints from local residents.

“Melaka DoE will work with the department of veterinary services (JPV) to further investigate whether the sewage system or the operation of the retention pond in the area of the enclosures are in accordance with the specifications set or not.

“Residents around Sungai Lereh also claimed that the pollution of the river happened once almost every three months,” he said when met by reporters after officiating the Taman Bukit Rambai Drive Thru Recycling Centre here today.

Lim also urged Melaka DOE to conduct regular monitoring along the river because there are agricultural activities that require clean water sources along it.

Yesterday, messages went viral on the WhatsApp application about the pollution in Sungai Lereh that caused the river water to turn black and end up in the coastal area.