KOTA TINGGI: Two months after the Sungai Johor pollution incident, about 150 fishermen, including those from Kampung Orang Asli Sayong Pinang, remain in distress as their livelihoods have yet to recover. The fishermen complained of declining catches and income, and voiced deep concern over the condition of Sungai Sayong Pinang near their village, which has become increasingly shallow. He said the situation has forced local fishermen to alter their fishing routes, travelling between two main rivers - Sungai Linggiu and upstream areas - which take between two and three hours to reach, while waiting for Sungai Sayong Pinang to recover. It was claimed that the company appeared to have abandoned its responsibility after failing to address compensation claims submitted by the affected fishermen. The pollution incident along Sungai Johor in Kota Tinggi, in October last year, was the worst recorded involving water supply sources in Johor, affecting more than 292,000 consumer accounts across Kota Tinggi, Johor Bahru, Pontian, Gelang Patah and Kulai.

Source: The Star January 11, 2026 07:33 UTC