TAMPIN (Bernama): A poultry farm in Kampung Batang Rokan, Gemencheh, near here has been ordered to temporarily cease operations for suspected pollution of Sungai Air Salak.

       Negri Sembilan agriculture and agro-based industry committee chairman Datuk Bakri Sawir said on Sunday (Aug 29) the farm had also been instructed to do a clean-up and carry out maintenance on its sewage system within a week.

       "The operator must ensure the water that is released is clean and meets the set standards,” he said, adding that failure to do so even after the issuance of three notices will lead to legal action.

       Bakri was speaking to reporters after he and state health, environment, cooperatives and consumerism committee chairman S. Veerapan visited the poultry farm.

       He also said he hoped the 202 farms and chicken processing factories in the state will adhere to the authorities' conditions, especially concerning environmental matters, to avoid action being taken against them.

       Veerapan said a sample of the contaminated water from Sungai Air Salak will be sent to the Chemistry Department for analysis and the results will be known within a month.

       He said on July 16, the farm operators had been fined RM210,960 and given a temporary licence to operate.

       On Saturday (Aug 28), the media reported that residents of Kampung Batang Rokan were dismayed by the pollution in Sungai Air Salak due to sewage from a nearby poultry farm. – Bernama