Kuantan: The Malaysian Fisheries Department (DOF) has confirmed that the recent fish deaths in Sungai Bera were caused by low dissolved oxygen levels and high ammonia concentrations. Its director-general, Datuk Adnan Hussain, revealed these findings after conducting a water sample analysis at the Kuantan Fisheries Biosecurity Laboratory.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Adnan mentioned that the Fisheries Department is still investigating the source of this pollution, considering whether it could be due to industrial activities or deliberate acts. He shared these insights with reporters following the Pahang Inland Fishermen’s Aid Distribution Ceremony in Kampung Padang Rumbia. The event, organized by Yayasan AmanahRaya in collaboration with the DOF, saw the presence of the Sultan of Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah and the Tengku Ampuan of Pahang Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah. Pahang Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail and other state government leaders were also in attendance.

Adnan reassured that the investigation found no biotoxin contamination or harmful bacteria like E. coli and Salmonella in the river water, affirming that fish from the area remain safe for consumption. He clarified that the issues of dissolved oxygen and ammonia are confined to the water and do not affect the fish directly. “Fish in the affected area are still safe to eat because the dissolved oxygen and ammonia problems only occur in the water, not in the fish. As long as the fish are not badly damaged, they can still be eaten,” he stated.

He urged the public to refrain from discarding contaminated materials into the river to prevent harm to both native and caged fish populations. “This incident is very sad because it affects the fishing industry and the river ecosystem. We do not want the same incident to happen again in the future,” he expressed.

Adnan also noted the potential contamination source from the Serting River, which feeds into Sungai Bera, though he emphasized that this requires further evidence.

Meanwhile, Pahang Department of Environment (DOE) director Zakaria Ahmad @ Mohd reported that their investigation commenced on September 23 and is still ongoing. “River water sampling has been conducted and we are still awaiting the results of the chemical analysis for further action,” he shared when contacted.