The Pollution of Sungai Juru; its pollutants and effects

• mineral water bottles,
  
• styrofoam,
  
• construction and household discard,
  
• food waste,
  
• plastic materials,
  
• engine oil containers,
  
• helmet,
  
• vehicle tyres
  
• and others .
  

1. There were several reported past incidences whereby thousands of dead fish were seen floating in Kuala Sungai Juru. Fishermen blamed industrial pollution for the death of fish. They claimed that factories from nearby industrial area were releasing toxic waste to the river;



2. The livelihood of the fisherman community of about 100 of them residing near the river mouth of Sungai Juru has been affected. From information and feedback obtained from two fishermen; Sahidon Bin Noor , age 55 years old and Mahmood Bin Darus, age 48 years old on 27th August 2006 at the Jetty of Kuala Sungai Juru, it was revealed that fish and cockle production decreased sharply. As much as 60% of cockles harvested out from the coastal area off Kuala Sungai Juru are dead cockles due to water contamination and pollution compared to only 5% dead cockles during the previous good times. As cockle production drops, the fishermen are faced with tougher living conditions and forced to work doubly hard to earn the same level of income they used to in order to survive.
   
   
   Fishermen; Sahidon Bin Noor & Mahmood Bin Darus in front of Persatuan Nelayan Kuala Sungai Juru Building (B) at the Jetty.
   
   
   As much as 60% cockles harvested are dead or rejected cockles !



3. Some species of fish were already extinct at the Sungai Juru mostly because of pollution whilst other habitats as well as its flora and fauna are endangered or threatened with extinction;



4. Depleting mangrove swamps at the riverbanks of Sungai Juru have threatened the natural habitats and eco-system of the river. Mangrove plants along the riverbanks traditionally serve as trap and stabilize sediment, protection of shorelines from erosion, and nesting sites for birds.
   
   Unlike air or haze pollution, the public is less sensitive to river pollution as most water pollution is not easily visible. Majorities of the communities are also not fully aware of the fact that whatever rubbish left or thrown on the ground, roads, public areas or uncollected overflow rubbish at trashes would be washed off by rainwater into drains which ultimately take it into the river system and pollute them.