Thousands of dead fish found floating in Sungai Prai

 

Some of the dead fish found floating in Sungai Prai today. -- Pix courtesy of David Marshel

PRAI: Thousands of dead fish were spotted floating in Sungai Prai here this afternoon after the high tide.

Residents of Taman Kimsar here saw the strange event about 2.30pm, before alerting Seberang Prai City Council (MBSP) councilor David Marshel.

It is not immediately known what caused the fish to die.

David, who went to the location this evening along with Deputy Chief Minister II Professor Dr P. Ramasamy, said the stench from the dead fish was unbearable.

"We were shocked to find thousands of dead fish inside the river. Some were gasping for air before they died.

"The residents nearby are also in the dark as to what happened.

"This is a serious matter and we will find out what killed the fish," he told the New Straits Times.

David said he had asked the MBSP to take samples of the water and dead fish to be handed to the Department of Environment (DoE) for further investigation.

Meanwhile, David advised nearby fishermen and anglers not to collect the dead fish to be consumed or sold.

"It is best if they stop fishing here for now. We don't know (what killed the fish). It could be toxic (contamination).

"All this will only be answered when the DoE probes the matter," he added. - NST