Hundreds of dead fish were found in Sungai Padang Kijang near Kampung Alor Pasir on June 8, prompting complaints to the Kelantan Department of Environment (DOE) [1, 2]. Kelantan DOE deputy director Mohamad Zamzani Ibrahim confirmed the department immediately sent two officers to inspect the river and collect water samples for analysis [1, 2].
At the site, officials used YSI ProDSS equipment to measure water quality parameters such as dissolved oxygen and turbidity directly in the river [1, 2]. Drones were deployed to monitor the area and check for activities that might have affected water quality [1, 2]. The collected water samples were sent to the Chemistry Department in Panji for detailed lab testing, including biological oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), total suspended solids (TSS), and oil and grease content [1, 2]. Kelantan DOE has yet to confirm when the test results will be released, as this depends on the chemistry lab's processing time [1].
Local villagers reported unusual conditions in the river on the morning the fish deaths were noticed. Normally murky water was suddenly clear, while many fish surfaced and struggled for oxygen before dying [1]. Fish carcasses remained along the riverbank days after the incident, with some residents seen fishing in the affected area [2].
The investigation and sampling took place between June 8 and June 11, with ongoing monitoring reported as of June 11 [1, 2]. No cause has yet been identified by the Kelantan DOE as authorities await lab results.
The department continues to monitor the situation while awaiting chemical analysis to determine what led to the mass fish deaths in Sungai Padang Kijang.
