Heavy Rain Suspected as Cause of Massive Fish Death at Danau Kota Lake
PETALING JAYA: Continuous heavy rainfall is believed to be the main factor behind the mass fish deaths at Tasik Taman Danau Kota, with authorities pointing to deteriorating water quality and declining dissolved oxygen levels as the likely causes.
Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) said persistent rain had altered the lake’s ecosystem, while runoff carrying sediment and pollutants into the water body may have further aggravated conditions for aquatic life.
According to DBKL, the combination of reduced oxygen levels and changes in water quality can significantly affect fish populations and other organisms living in the lake.
“Based on preliminary observations, the incident is believed to have been caused by prolonged heavy rainfall, which resulted in lower dissolved oxygen levels, changes in water quality and the inflow of sediment and pollutants into the lake,” DBKL said in a statement today.
Earlier, members of the public were alarmed after thousands of dead fish were discovered floating on the surface of Danau Kota Lake in Setapak, causing an unpleasant odour around the recreational area.
Videos and photographs of the incident quickly spread across social media, sparking concerns over the cleanliness and environmental health of the lake.
In response, DBKL said it had immediately initiated clean-up operations to remove the dead fish and installed trash traps at the lake’s inlet channels to prevent further waste and debris from entering the water.
The city authority is also working with the Department of Environment in the Federal Territory to conduct water sampling and laboratory analysis.
Samples collected on June 16 are being examined to determine the water quality and identify any additional factors that may have contributed to the large-scale fish deaths.
DBKL said preliminary investigations and on-site monitoring are ongoing to ensure that appropriate control and mitigation measures can be implemented as soon as possible.
“The city hall will continue to monitor the lake closely and undertake the necessary follow-up actions to ensure that this recreational area remains clean, safe and comfortable for residents and visitors,” it said.
The incident has renewed public attention on the importance of preserving urban lake ecosystems, which are increasingly vulnerable to extreme weather events, pollution and rapid urban development in surrounding areas.
