STATE authorities in Penang are still investigating what caused the presence of heavy metal in waters off the northern coast of the island.

Penang environmental executive councilor Phee Boon Poh said investigations that began last month were still on after the Consumers Association of Penang (CAP) pushed for answers yesterday.

Several civil society bodies had called on the relevant authorities to determine the source and stop the pollution detected in waters off Tanjung Bungah, Teluk Bahang and the Penang National Park since the media reported it last week.

“We are still investigating the source of the heavy metal presence,” he said, adding two locations had high nickel readings.

Phee said authorities were also investigating if illegal dumping was the cause.

“There were incidents in the 1990s of cyanide dumping into the sea near Pulau Aman,” he said. 

He had earlier said the Department of Environment (DoE) had been tasked with checking local factories that use high levels of nickel in their manufacturing processes.

Phee said the DoE was working with the Fisheries Department to investigate cases of dead fish in affected areas.

Yesterday, CAP president S.M. Mohamed Idris urged the authorities to disclose their findings on the pollution.

“CAP is upset by the attitude of the Penang government, the departments and agencies concerned for their slow investigations, which have yet to detect the cause of this pollution.”

Idris also called for the heavy metal content and concentration in fish, shellfish and sediments in the waters to be analysed. 

“CAP is concerned that the environment, marine life and source of livelihood of local fishers will be affected if this pollution problem prolongs.” 

The pollution came to light after Universiti Sains Malaysia’s Centre for Marine and Coastal Studies (Cemacs) in Teluk Bahang found nickel levels to be 944% higher than usual.

Nickel is used to make coins and industrial and consumer products, including stainless steel, alnico magnets, rechargeable batteries, plating on plumbing fixtures and special alloys.

High concentrations of lead at over 184% and readings of cadmium 32% higher than normal were also detected. – May 15, 2019.