GEORGE TOWN, May 12 — Pollution in Kampung Selamat and Sungai Kereh in Tasek Gelugor is not solely caused by pig farming activities, but is also linked to several other sources.
Penang Local Government and Town and Country Planning Committee chairman H'ng Mooi Lye said other contributing factors include agricultural activities, waste discharge, drainage systems, and environmental factors that fall under the jurisdiction of various agencies.
Enforcement action is being carried out in an integrated manner by the Environment Department (DOE), local authorities, the Penang Irrigation and Drainage Department, and other technical agencies to identify the actual causes of the pollution and implement corrective measures.
Among the measures being planned is the transfer of pig waste to the Ampang Jajar Transfer Station for processing as feedstock for an anaerobic digestion system.
"Through this process, organic waste is broken down in an oxygen-free environment to produce methane gas, which can be utilised as a renewable energy source," he said during the Penang State Legislative Assembly sitting today.
H'ng was responding to Permatang Berangan state assemblyman Mohd Sobri Saleh's query on the number of complaints received over pollution in Sungai Kereh and the action taken by the state government.
He added that the initiative would not only help reduce river pollution and environmental risks but also support sustainability efforts through more systematic waste management and the generation of green energy.
According to records from the Penang DOE, seven complaints related to water pollution and foul odour in Sungai Kereh were received between 2024 and this year.
H'ng noted that field investigations, including site inspections, found drains overgrown with aquatic weeds, which may have slowed water flow and contributed to the odour problem.
