BY: ELIZABETH WONG
SHAH ALAM, SEP 24: The Sungai Semenyih water treatment plant had to be shut down again again for the third time at 9:15 am today on 24 September 2016 due to an unidentified smell measuring at one point up to 12 TONs in the raw water from Sungai Semenyih.
The first shutdown was on 22 September 2016 at 5:30pm and the second shutdown at 1:30pm on 23 September 2016.
The water treatment plant however has resumed operations at 2.30pm on 24 September 2016.
Investigation to identify the sources of pollution covering 609 square kilometer in the Semenyih lower catchment area and five major tributaries are ongoing since 22nd September.
Partial test results of the raw water samples revealed no hazardous substance, such as sulphide, formaldehyde, selenium, anionic detergent, cyanide and mineral oil. More tests are being conducted to ensure the safety of the treated water and to assist in the identification of the pollutant causing the smell in the raw water.
Since, 22 September 2016, the river surveillance team of Air Selangor and Lembaga Urus Air Selangor (LUAS) with assistance from Department of Environment have been deployed without stop in the last 48 hours to identify the possible sources of pollution. This operation will continue until the source can be identified.
The areas covered thus far include the industrial areas of Villaraya, Beranang, Hulu Semenyih, Sungai Purun and all the way to the borders of Negeri Sembilan in Nilai.
At the same time samplings are done every 2 hours with special focus at Sungai Buah, Sungai Beranang, Sungai Rinching, Sungai Purun and Sungai Semenyih.
The State Government will take stern action against the culprits when found. The State Government is also not ruling out sabotage in regards to these incidents.
Over 337,450 accounts in the District of Petaling, Hulu Langat, Kuala Langat and Sepang will continue to experience temporary water interruption until the water treatment plant resumes operations.
Water tankers with relief water supply will continue to be dispatched to affected areas throughout this period. Presently, we are distributing the 5 litres bottled drinking water to affected areas.
The key affected areas and surrounding areas are as follows:
Hulu Langat District: Bangi, Bandar Bukit Mahkota, Kajang, Semenyih and Rinching.
Kuala Langat District: Morib, Banting, Bandar Saujana Putra, Bandar Rimbayu and Telok Panglima Garang.
Petaling District: USJ 1-27, Puchong, Seri Kembangan and Serdang
Sepang District: Putrajaya, Cyberjaya, Bandar Nusa Putra, Putra Heights, Pulau Meranti, Kota Warisan, Bandar Bukit Puchong and Sg. Merab.
Consumers can get latest updates and details of the affected areas via “mySYABAS” smart phone application and www.syabas.com.my .
Third shutdown of Semenyih Water Treatment Plant in 48 hours
