SHAH ALAM, OCT 4: Dato’ Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali criticised the Environmental Department (JAS) for failing to turn up immediately on site to take contaminated water samples at Sungai Semenyih.
He said, the Selangor Water Management Board (LUAS) and Pengurusan Air Selangor Sdn Bhd have been at the location since October 3 night, when the monitoring team detected the odour.
He said JAS was informed as early as 1 am, October 4 of the incident, but they only showed up at 10 am to take samples.
“We urge JAS to be more responsible in ensuring all industries operating by the riverbank comply with the law.
“JAS needs to act quickly and decisively against parties causing river pollution,” he said firmly.
He said for the long-term, the State Government has appointed a river monitoring and enforcement team placed at several locations.
He said clean and safe water supply is a priority with no compromise.
“The state government will not tolerate any party, individuals or companies, who sabotage or pollute rivers,” he said.
As early as 8.30 am, Dato’ Menteri Besar along with LUAS, Air Selangor, Kajang Municipal Council (MPKj) and PTD Hulu Langat arrived at Batu 22 1/4, Sungai Lalang, Semenyih to take action on those involved in the river contamination incident.
Dato’ Menteri Besar directed MPKJ and PTD to take action within seven days, on landowners and industrial owners for unlawful activities along the river bank.
Meanwhile, Air Selangor was instructed to use all its assets to mitigate the impact of water disruption and reduce the period of closure.
He also thanked Selangor Water and LUAS river monitoring team who have been monitoring and patrolling for 24 hours, the last two weeks.
MB criticises JAS for not turning up immediately at contaminated river
