ELAKA: A community leader is urging the authorities to step in immediately and tackle what he says is worsening pollution along Phase Two of Sungai Melaka.

Pengkalan Batu Community Service Centre director Cassel Krishnan said he was deeply concerned by the deteriorating state of the river, in particular a 3km stretch between Taman Rumpun Bahagia and Rumah Awam Pantai Peringgit.

"There is no sign of a healthy, thriving ecosystem, and the river appears lifeless,” he said in an interview on Tuesday (July 8). 

Krishnan said residents in Pengkalan Batu were alarmed by recent mass fish deaths, which signal a critical breakdown in the river’s ecological health.

"The river is in a dire state. What remedial measures have the authorities taken to revive it?" he asked.

He urged the state government to give the same level of attention to the second phase as it does to the first phase of the river, which is well-maintained for tourism through the Melaka River Cruise service.

"I hope immediate action is taken. We can't wait until the river is dead," he added.

It was reported on June 27 that thousands of freshwater fish had been found dead in Phase Two, apparently because of pollution.

State rural development, agriculture and food security committee deputy chairman Low Chee Leong was quoted as saying that the state government had instructed all relevant agencies to take swift action to contain the situation and safeguard the environment.

He said the Melaka River and Beach Development Corporation (PPSPM) had deployed over 30 personnel to conduct intensive clean-up works in collaboration with the Historical Melaka City Council.

The Melaka Water Regulatory Body has also taken water and fish samples for testing. Initial observations found an oily substance on the surface of the river, indicating possible contamination.