Bagan Datuk: The Perak Department of Environment (DOE) has seized a boiler from a belacan (shrimp paste) processing factory, following the discovery of thousands of dead fish floating in drains in Kampung Sungai Payung and Kampung Sungai Tiang Baroh, Bagan Datuk, on June 10.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Perak Science, Environment and Green Technology Committee chairman Teh Kok Lim stated that the factory was suspected of discharging untreated water into nearby drains and rivers. Traces of reddish stains were found on the floor beneath the factory's boiler, which is used for producing steam in the shrimp paste process.

The boiler has been confiscated for investigation as it is believed to be the source of the untreated wastewater, which led to the fish deaths. This incident is currently being investigated under Section 38(1) of the Environmental Quality Act (Amendment) 2024.

The Perak DOE, in a statement, noted that an investigation began following a public complaint received at 12.50 pm. Additionally, Teh mentioned the possibility that low dissolved oxygen (DO) levels could have contributed to the mass fish deaths, with levels recorded between 0.13 to 0.78 milligrams per litre (mg/L), significantly lower than the normal level of around 6.5 mg/L and above.

Furthermore, the DOE will rely on the analysis of fish samples taken by the Fisheries Department to confirm the exact cause of the fish deaths.