By Nasuha Badrul Huzaini
SHAH ALAM, Aug 11 — No chemical traces were found in Sungai Langat following a thorough inspection by the Selangor Water Management Authority (Luas) yesterday night, said state executive councillor for environment Hee Loy Sian.
He said the inspection was carried out following the accident along KM75.9 of the Karak – Bentong Highway heading towards Kuala Lumpur on the same day.
Hee added that although the incident occurred outside Selangor, it could potentially affect Sungai Langat in the state and prompted Luas to intensify their monitoring patrols along the river, particularly in high-risk areas.
“This was our approach as we want to be prepared in facing any possibilities, should the river area in Selangor become contaminated. Based on the information that we have, the distance from the accident scene to Sungai Semantan is approximately 20 kilometres.
“Luas alongside the Pahang Water Regulatory Body has implemented mitigation and control measures at the incident’s location, to ensure no chemical traces entered the Sungai Semantan water inlet, which could affect the Langat 2 Water Treatment Plant (WTP) in Selangor,” he said in a statement today.
The councillor added that Luas and other relevant parties will continue strict monitoring of the river area periodically to ensure the state water resources remain protected.
To this, Pengurusan Air Selangor Sdn Bhd (Air Selangor) said the Langat 2 WTP resumed its operation at around 3.30pm.
Air Selangor said the water supply will be restored to affected consumers in stages, once the distribution system has been stabilised.
“Water tankers will be mobilised to the consumers and priority will be given to critical premises. Air Selangor is trying our best to minimise the disruption impact to affected consumers,” it said.
The Langat 2 WTP was temporarily shut down at 4.30am today due to the chemical pollution incident at Sungai Semantan in Pahang.
