A. LETCHUMANAN
The Star

MALACCA: The 60 ducks that were released into Sungai Melaka by the Malacca City Council recently, to beautify the river and attract tourists, have gone missing.

Mayor Datuk Zaini Md Nor, who personally released the ducks, lamented that some irresponsible people had carted away the ducks from the river.

“I am very sad that the ducks are missing,” he said when contacted.

Zaini had urged the people who had seen the ducks being caught or taken away to report to the council so that appropriate action could be taken against them.

He said a local had come forward to donate 100 ducks which would be released into Sungai Melaka soon.

“We will be more vigilant and have regular patrolling to ensure the ducks are not carted away this time,” he said.

Zaini said tourists and visitors would have an opportunity to feed the ducks and also appreciate the view at the various resting areas along the river.

He said those taking the river cruise would also have the opportunity to feed the ducks in the river.

“There are plans to release more ducks into Sungai Melaka in future to make it livelier,” he said.

Sungai Melaka had been categorised one of the most polluted rivers in the country and had undergone four phases of beautification involving RM332.7mil. The river is yet to undergo another four phases of beautification.