Perak authorities probe Sungai Bidor pollution, pig and duck farms inspected
IPOH, April 25 — The Perak Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) and the Department of Environment (DOE) have launched a probe into the alleged Sungai Bidor water pollution.
State Human Resources, Health, Indian Community Affairs, and Integration Committee Chairman A Sivanesan said that the agencies conducted an on-site check yesterday and collected water samples from strategic locations for laboratory analysis.
'Samples were collected from a pig farm and a duck farm at Batu 2 1/2, Jalan Bruseh, near Bidor. Inspections revealed that the pig farm is in compliance with the required regulations. However, effluent samples were taken from both the discharge end of the farm and the discharge pipe in the river area, and these samples have been sent for testing of Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD).
'A probe into the duck farm revealed that it does not use ponds for rearing ducks. Therefore, no pond wastewater is being discharged into the river,' he said in a press conference alongside state Science, Environment, and Green Technology Committee Chairman Teh Kok Lim at Perak Darul Ridzuan Building yesterday.
PAS Vice President Datuk Idris Ahmad on Wednesday urged the state government to investigate a pig farm in Kampung Poh, which he claims contributes to pollution in Sungai Bidor.
Sivanesan said the analysis results are expected next week, as specified under the Pig Farming Control Enactment 1992.
'Based on sampling records conducted in 2024 and this January, the BOD readings for the farm in question complied with the minimum permitted level. Wastewater discharge should not exceed 50 parts per million. — Bernama
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Free Malaysia Today
3 days ago
- Free Malaysia Today
Perak needs further study on use of vapes, e-cigarettes
Perak menteri besar Saarani Mohamad said the study will cover health concerns and the potential impact of a ban on traders and other stakeholders. IPOH : The Perak government is looking into the possibility of banning the sale of vapes and electronic cigarettes in the state. Menteri besar Saarani Mohamad said this was discussed at a recent state executive council meeting, but further study is needed before a decision can be made. He said state human resources, health, Indian community affairs and integration committee chairman A Sivanesan has been tasked with leading the review. 'I've spoken to Sivanesan as this requires a thorough health assessment. However, we must also consider other factors,' he said at a press conference after launching the Perak Digital Economy Action Plan 2030 and Perak Smart Cities Blueprint 2040 today. Saarani said the state has received a request for a meeting from the vape traders' association, which will also be taken into account. The findings of the review, which will cover health concerns and the potential impact on traders and other stakeholders, are expected to be presented at the next exco meeting. Saarani had earlier said a decision on the vape ban was expected at the May 28 exco meeting. Several other state governments have banned vape sales or are considering it.
Malay Mail
4 days ago
- Malay Mail
Vape ban under review in Perak as MB cites need for thorough study and stakeholder talks
IPOH, June 4 — The Perak state government has not yet reached a decision on whether to ban the sale of electronic cigarettes said Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad. Saarani said several factors need to be taken into account before any action is taken, including discussions with the Vape Traders Association. 'I've received a request from the vape traders association to meet with me regarding this issue. 'There are various aspects that must be carefully examined before a final decision can be made,' he told a press conference after officiating the launch of the Perak Digital Economy Action Plan 2030 and the Perak Smart City Blueprint 2040 at Meru Casuarina Hotel here. Saarani also revealed that the matter was briefly discussed during a recent state executive council (exco) meeting. However, he said no in-depth deliberation has taken place as a comprehensive study is still required. 'I've already had a word with the health exco A. Sivanesan. There are still several elements that need thorough evaluation,' he said. Saarani said Sivanesan will lead the review from a public health perspective while also considering the potential impact on vape traders — similar to how cigarette regulations are handled. 'Once all factors are considered, we hope to arrive at a clearer direction on whether to proceed with a ban,' he said. When asked about the timeline for a decision, he expressed hope that Sivanesan would be able to present the matter at an upcoming exco meeting as soon as possible. Earlier, it was reported that a total of 76 vape-related poisoning cases linked to suspected prohibited substances were referred to the National Poison Centre (PRN) at Universiti Sains Malaysia between 2020 and 2024. The cases have risen sharply since 2022, with a significant increase observed over the past three years. Of these, 81 per cent involved vapes marketed as 'magic mushroom vape'. Most victims were teenagers aged 15 to 19 (41 per cent) and young adults aged 20 to 24 (53 per cent), highlighting a growing health threat among the younger population.
New Straits Times
6 days ago
- New Straits Times
Wild boar carcasses found in Selangor confirmed positive for African Swine Fever
KUALA LUMPUR: Six wild boar carcasses found between April 28 and May 15 along Jalan Tebrau 1 and Dataran Ukay have tested positive for African Swine Fever (ASF). Selangor Department of Wildlife and National Parks (Perhilitan) director Wan Mohd Adib Wan Mohd Yusoh said the department had received six reports regarding the discovery of the carcasses. He said preliminary investigations were carried out by the Selangor Perhilitan office at each location. "Samples from the carcasses were then sent to the Ex-Situ Conservation Division at Perhilitan headquarters for internal analysis before being referred to the Central Zone Veterinary Laboratory under the Veterinary Services Department (DVS) for further testing. "On May 20, Perhilitan received an official report from DVS confirming that the samples tested positive for ASF infection using the qPCR testing method. "ASF is a contagious viral disease that affects only wild and domestic pigs. It does not infect humans or other animals and poses no risk to public health," he said today. Wan Mohd Adib said Perhilitan continues to work closely with DVS, local authorities and relevant agencies to monitor the situation, dispose of carcasses and disinfect affected areas in line with existing biosecurity protocols. "Action is also being taken to collect and examine any newly discovered carcasses in nearby areas. "We are also monitoring wildlife populations' health in high-risk zones, and enhancing surveillance and preparedness in anticipation of similar outbreaks elsewhere," he said. Wan Mohd Adib advised the public not to touch, move or approach any wild animal carcasses found, particularly wild boars. He advised the public to immediately report any sightings of wild animal carcasses to the authorities for further action, and refrain from spreading unverified information about this issue to avoid causing unnecessary public concern.
