‘Can’t even get 1 cent’: Livelihoods hit by Johor River pollution
‘Can’t even get 1 cent’: Livelihoods hit by Johor River pollution
A burst sand-washing pond at a sand mining site in Kota Tinggi has polluted the Johor River, disrupting water supply to over 800,000 people and clouding the water with silt.
Fishermen in Kampung Orang Asli Sayong Pinang say the pollution has wiped out the fish population in the area. “We can't even get RM1 (US$0.24), and not even 1 cent,” said Azman Inam, whose family now goes without income.
Experts believe the fish died from asphyxiation as their gills were clogged with silt.
Malaysia’s Department of Environment has issued a field citation to Hiap Aik Evergreen, the firm allegedly responsible.
The Kampung Orang Asli Sayung Pinang community is demanding over RM160,000 in compensation for lost income.
