Kuala muda: The seawater off the coast of Kampung Teluk Nipah, in the Kuala Muda region of Kedah, has turned red and muddy due to soil erosion from nearby hills, significantly affecting the livelihood of nearly 100 coastal fishermen in the area.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Consumers’ Association of Penang (CAP) president Mohideen Abdul Kader highlighted that the situation worsened when large waves hit the reclamation area and heavy rains caused further erosion of the exposed hills. He expressed concern that without preventive measures, the affected slopes might collapse, leading to more severe environmental damage.

Mohideen emphasized that if the root cause of the problem is not addressed, both the environmental impact and the fishermen’s livelihoods could deteriorate further over time. He warned that ongoing pollution and sedimentation might result in the extinction of marine life such as crabs, molluscs, fish, and prawns in the area.

He also pointed out that sediment buildup around the local jetty could lead to shallow waters, making it difficult for fishermen to land their catch, anchor their boats, or access the sea for daily operations.

The CAP president urged the authorities to conduct a thorough investigation and take effective action to prevent the situation from continuing to harm the environment and jeopardize the livelihoods of the coastal fishing community. He called for the immediate construction of an erosion control barrier at the affected site to prevent further flow of sediment into the sea and protect the fishing grounds that support the income of local fishermen.