By Norrasyidah Arshad
SHAH ALAM, March 29 — The quality of rivers in Selangor is categorised as safe and can be treated to become sources of clean water for consumers.
Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari said this is based on the Water Quality Index (WQI) from the Environment Department (JAS) which determined the quality level of most rivers in Selangor to be standing at Level One and Two.
“In a report issued by the department, there are only two rivers categorised at the moderate level which is Sungai Klang and a small portion of Sungai Langat.
“Some of the rivers obtained an 89 score from the WQI which is considered good. Based on JAS’ criteria, moderate level river water can be extracted to get clean water. However, the treatment requires high costs,” he said.
Amirudin was speaking to reporters after witnessing the Memorandum of Understanding signing ceremony between the Selangor Water Management Authority and several agencies at the Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah Building’s foyer earlier today.
Last week state executive councillor for environment Hee Loy Sian said JAS had found the WQI of Selangor’s main rivers to be at a clean level.
As of March 1, the WQI for the Sungai Selangor river basin stands at 86, followed by Sungai Langat (91), Sungai Tengi (87) and Sungai Bernam (93) whereas other river basins contain moderate pollution with scores between 62 to 78.
Meanwhile, the Menteri Besar said beginning this month, the state government will constantly monitor the dam levels in preparation for the drought season expected to occur between April to August.
“We will be ready with the forecast from the Malaysian Meteorology Department. Climate change is unexpected, hence we have to be ready for it,” he said.
