Black solid material believed to be coal found along 500 metres of shoreline after barge runs aground.
PETALING JAYA — A stretch of coastline at Pantai Teluk Kalong near Chukai has been polluted by black solid material believed to be coal, following an incident involving a drifting barge that struck rocks and ran aground in the area.
The pollution, discovered along approximately 500 metres of shoreline, has raised concerns among visitors and traders, prompting ongoing monitoring by authorities in Terengganu.
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Visitors Alarmed as Coal Spreads Along Shoreline
Ahmad Amadi Ali, 29, a visitor from Paka in Dungun, said he was shocked to see black solid material scattered across the beach when he arrived earlier today.
“I cancelled my plan to swim as I was worried the seawater in this area had been polluted and could affect my skin,” he was quoted as saying by Bernama.
The material, believed to be coal, was visible not only along the shore but also on the seabed several metres from the water’s edge, according to eyewitnesses.
A beach trader, Ahmad Firdaus Che Yahaya, 43, said he first noticed the coal-laden barge drifting not far from the beach last Thursday, Jan 8.
He said the vessel eventually ran aground along the beach over the past two days. Following the incident, black patches began appearing on the seabed close to the shoreline, reinforcing concerns about the extent of the pollution.
Authorities Monitoring Situation Despite Coal Classification
The Terengganu environment department confirmed it is monitoring the situation. Its director, Hamzah Mohamad, said that although coal is not classified as scheduled waste, the department would continue to keep watch over developments at the site.
The statement reflects a cautious approach as officials assess the environmental impact of the spill and any potential risks to public safety and marine ecosystems.
Pantai Teluk Kalong is a popular recreational beach and commercial area, making the incident a matter of public interest for residents, traders, and visitors alike.
Editorial note: This is a developing story. We will continue to monitor the situation and update our readers as more information becomes available.
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