Environmentalist aghast as once-pristine waterfall turns brown

 

The waterfall in the Segari Melintang Forest as it was before (left) and what it looks like now. - Pix courtesy of Rakan Segari

IPOH: Environmental activist group Aktivis Sahabat Alam (Kuasa) is aghast that a once-pristine waterfall in Teluk Sera, Manjung, has been polluted.

Kuasa vice-chairman Mohd Riduan Othman said the site, located in the Segari Melintang Forest Reserve, was now filled with debris from soil erosion.

"I came across it on Thursday (Jan 14) when surveying some locations near the area for a mangrove tree-planting programme.

"The waterfall was still okay when I was there in early December last year," he said when contacted.

"It is disappointing to see the waterfall, one of the biggest in the area, now looks like this," he said.

Riduan, also known as Otai Manjung, said although the waterfall was not a recreational site, researchers conduct studies there.

"I had previously brought a few students to do their research on eco-destruction in the area," he said, adding it was possible that this was caused by quarrying activities.

"Unlike logging where we can still replant trees, the waterfall will be gone forever as the hill cannot be replaced if quarry activities continue," he added.

When contacted, a spokesman from the Perak Mentri Besar's office said they would check on the matter. - Star