CAP president Mohideen Abdul Kader said strict enforcement of the Environmental Quality Act 1974 was needed to address the consequences of the pollution on the environment and the livelihood of the local community.

“We regret that even though the incident has persisted for quite some time, there has been a delay in action being taken.

“CAP also requests the DoE, the Kangar Municipal Council (MPK) and the irrigation and drainage department (DID) to disclose the legal action taken against the parties responsible for the pollution,” he said in a statement.

Mohideen said the Perlis DoE’s investigation had found that the Sungai Kubang Tiga pollution was due to leachate from the Sinatari Rimba Emas landfill, which had turned the river water black and smelly. As a result, he said, it was no longer fit for bathing, fishing and farming.

“Continuous monitoring is necessary to ensure the companies involved in managing the disposal site have taken appropriate action to protect the environment,” he said.