Mysterious 2KM-Long Oil Spill Ruins Port Dickson Beach, Public Advised To Stay Away
A leak from a vessel’s engine is suspected so far.
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If you’re planning a nice relaxing day at Port Dickson beach, there’s bad news.
The Environment Department (DOE) revealed that a mysterious oil spill along 2km of the beach in Pantai Cermin, Port Dickson and Tanjung Tuan, Melaka has been detected.
In a statement released on social media, DOE revealed that they received reports of the oil spill on 12 October (Monday) by the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA), the Negeri Sembilan Marine Department, the Melaka Marine Department, hotel operators, fishermen and residents.
Following the report, DOE’s investigation team has conducted inspections and collected samples from the polluted coastal areas and the sea. The samples will be sent to the Malaysia Chemistry Department for analysis.
Environment Department.
A mysterious source
DOE and MMEA have also conducted sea patrols and monitoring using drones to detect the cause of this oil spill.
State Health, Environment, Cooperatives and Consumerism Committee chairman, S. Veerapan told Bernama that they suspected it could be from the engine of a vessel, but can only determine after getting the analysis results back.
(Credit: @doe.gov.my/Facebook)
This incident will be investigated under Section 27, Environmental Quality Act 1974, which deploys a maximum RM500,000 fine, or 5 years imprisonment, or both, if found guilty.
Port Dickson beach closed
For now, the public is advised to stay away from the polluted beach for their own health and safety.
Cleaning of the beach and clearing of the oil from the water is underway by the Port Dickson District Level Coastal Cleaning Action Committee and the Alor Gajah District Disaster Management Committee.
DOE also urged anyone with information regarding the oil spill to contact them at their website (HERE) or call 1-800-88-2727 or email aduan_k@doe.gov.my.
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