By Norrasyidah Arshad
KAJANG, Feb 3 — Quick response from enforcement agencies and local authorities in discovering nine barrels containing 165 litres of chemical waste at a river reserve land at Jalan Reko, 10 metres from Sungai Langat here, yesterday, managed to prevent the suspension of water treatment plants (WTPs).
State executive councillor for environment Hee Loy Sian said the chemical waste which appeared likely to be solvents and paint thinner were discovered 13 kilometres (km) from the Semenyih 2 WTP and 24 km from the Bukit Tampoi WTP, by the Kajang Municipal Council (MPKj) following a public tip-off.
“An investigation by Selangor Water Management Authority (Luas) showed that the spillage did not manage to flow into Sungai Langat.
“The swift action taken had prevented the suspension of the WTPs. The chemical was supposed to be disposed of at a designated location in line with the Environmental Quality Act 1974,” Hee said at a press conference after visiting the location.
According to him, the culprit who abandoned the waste had been identified, however, further investigations need to be carried out before any action is taken.
“If found guilty, a heavy punishment will be carried out according to the Luas Enactment (Amendment) 2020; the sentence is a prison term of not more than three years and fine of up to RM200,000, not exceeding RM2 million.
“The whistleblower will be given a reward of RM20,000 if the offender is arrested and punished for polluting the river source,” he said.
