GUA MUSANG: Two more rivers here were found to be polluted following uncontrolled agricultural activities, which include vegetable farming in the Lojing Highlands.
The latest rivers to be affected are Sungai Rengil and Sungai Ber, both located near the Orang Asli settlements in Pos Brooke and Pos Hendrop.
The Orang Asli community claimed that if the situation persists, it might cause more serious impact to the environment including floods and landslides.
One of those affected, resident Sudin Uda said the unchecked agricultural activities such as vegetable farming in Lojing Highlands has led to the two rivers being filled with mud and sludge.
“The situation has become worse during the rainy season. It has affected our source of livelihood as some of us still depend on the river to catch fish,” he said.
The 40-year-old from Kampung Pos Hendrop hoped the relevant authorities would take stern action to resolve the issue.
Former student, Remy Ngah said her parents and other relatives have no other choice but look for other sources of income after the two rivers became badly polluted.
“Previously, we used to take water from Sungai Ber for our daily use as it located about 50m from our settlement.
“But now, we have to check the colour of the river first. If it has turned the colour of ‘teh tarik’, we will not go there as the water is dirty, muddy and has chemicals which we believe is from the fertilisers and pesticides used in farming,” said the eldest of seven siblings.
The NST reported last year that some 3,000 Orang Asli living near Lojing Highlands have raised concerns over unchecked agricultural activities upstream, which had polluted Sungai Belatok and Sungai Brooke which used to be their main source of livelihood.
It is learnt that the pollution of the two rivers had been ongoing for over 10 years.
It began when the operators involved in the agricultural activities like vegetable farming in the highlands begun expanding their respective farms illegally.
The Orang Asli community claimed that they had expressed their concerns to state government officials often but no action had been taken.
There are four Orang Asli settlements in Lojing Highlands and they are in Pos Brooke, Sigar, Sangwai and Hendrop.
Kelantan Department of Environment director Wandi Yadzid Yaakob said his department has yet to receive report on the matter.
“Usually, we will send officers to take water sample from the river once we receive a report,” he said when contacted.
Wandi said it was normal for the rivers to change its colour each time there is heavy rain in the area.
Source: New Straits Times