What caused pig farm waste to pollute Kedah rivers?

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Pig Farm Waste Discharges Led to Kedah River Pollution

A pig farm located in Sungai Lembu village, Bukit Mertajam, has been ordered to cease operations due to suspected discharges of farm waste. This waste is believed to have caused pollution in the Sungai Kulim and Sungai Air Merah rivers within Kedah. The directive for closure was issued by the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) after the farm was found to be operating without the necessary valid licence.
Unlicensed Operation and Waste Discharge

The directive for the pig farm to shut down was issued by the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) because the facility was operating without a valid licence. This finding was a primary reason for the immediate closure order. The DVS instructed the farm owner to vacate the premises and arrange for the relocation of the pigs to a slaughterhouse.
Environmental Investigation and Findings

Investigations conducted by the Kedah Department of Environment (DOE) identified suspected pig farm waste being discharged from the Sungai Lembu village farm. During inspections, several ponds on the farm were observed releasing effluents directly into Sungai Air Merah. This river subsequently flows into Sungai Kulim, indicating a clear pathway for the pollutants to spread downstream.
Impact on Water Supply Infrastructure

The pollution has raised concerns due to the proximity of water infrastructure. The Toh Allang Water Treatment Plant (LRA) in Sungai Kulim, a critical facility that supplies water to Penang, is situated downstream from the identified pollution source. Specifically, the plant is located approximately seven kilometres from the confluence of Sungai Kulim and Sungai Air Merah, where the farm is situated about three kilometres upstream from this merger.
Ongoing Investigations and Enforcement Actions

The Department of Environment has collected samples from five locations for testing to substantiate the complaints of pollution. While the DOE's direct jurisdiction over the farm is limited, they are collaborating with other relevant authorities possessing the legal authority to enforce regulations. These authorities, including the DVS, are expected to take further legal action and compound notices against the farm owner, in addition to the closure order already issued.

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What caused pig farm waste to pollute Kedah rivers?

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