KUANTAN: The discovery of thousands of dead fish floating in two man-made lakes at the Taman Gelora recreational park here yesterday was caused by a high tide phenomenon that allowed seawater to flow into the lakes.

Kuantan mayor Datuk Zaliza Zulkipli said the sudden influx of seawater had raised the salinity levels, disrupting the natural brackish-water ecosystem.

"It was an unexpected natural phenomenon. During high tide, seawater from the nearby sea entered the lake through a small weir at Taman Gelora.

"The sudden change in salinity is believed to be the main factor behind the deaths of wild fish species that naturally breed in the lake. The affected species include milkfish, tilapia, carp, red snapper, and several others," he said in a statement today.

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Zaliza said as an immediate measure, the Kuantan City Council had begun collecting and disposing of the dead fish to ensure the recreational area remains clean, and safe.

He said that the Department of Environment has conducted water quality tests, while the Fisheries Department has collected fish samples for forensic analysis to determine the exact cause of the incident.

Zaliza said the council, along with other relevant agencies, will continue to monitor the situation closely to safeguard the cleanliness of the park for the comfort of visitors.

Visitors to the park reported having to endure a foul odour since Sept 1 after thousands of fish were found floating on the surface of the lakes.