By Jerry Choong
SHAH ALAM, Oct 2 — The detection of a white, bubbly effluence in Sungai Kabul at Beranang did not lead to the shutdown of any nearby water treatment plants (WTP), said the state executive councillor for the environment Hee Loy Sian.
He said the effluence was detected at 11.30pm yesterday by Lembaga Urus Air Selangor (Luas) during a routine inspection together with the National Water Services Commission (SPAN) of the Sungai Langat basin.
“Luas and several other agencies immediately carried out investigations at the upstream portions of the river, to identify the source of the pollution.
“Samples were taken, with no odour pollution detected at the scene of the incident. Luas’ preliminary investigations upstream of Sungai Kabul also revealed the water conditions to be normal,” Hee said in a statement.
Based on earlier information and records, Luas together with the Environment Department (JAS) and the Kajang Municipal Council (MPKJ) furthered their investigations into a factory premise at Kawasan Perindustrian Mahkota in Beranang which supplies building materials and gardening equipment.
“The team discovered traces of water with the same colour as the effluence found in Sungai Kabul, in the suspected premise. Luas carried out sampling at the discharge points inside and outside the premise, which were sent to the Department of Chemistry Malaysia (JKM) for analysis.
“Concurrently, Luas and MPKJ’s follow-up investigation also revealed a factory premise manufacturing aluminium products which is suspected of releasing a foamy effluent into a nearby ditch. As above, a similar sampling of the external and internal discharge points was carried out to be analysed by JKM,” he said.
The councillor added the pollution source’s estimated distance to the intakes of the nearest WTPs is 17 km from the Semenyih WTP, 29 km from the Bukit Tampoi WTP, and 40 km from the Labohan Dagang WTP.
“No cessation of WTP operations was reported by Pengurusan Air Selangor Sdn Bhd. Luas and the agencies involved are carrying out close monitoring from time to time, to ensure Selangor’s water resources are preserved.
“Luas has also opened an investigation paper under Section 79 (1) of the Luas Enactment 1999, which carries a minimum fine of RM200,000 and a maximum fine of RM1 million, as well as no more than three years’ imprisonment if convicted.
“The state government will not compromise with any parties who commit the crime of polluting water sources, with stern action to be taken in line with the Luas Enactment 1999. Members of the public are advised to be vigilant and report any activities which could potentially contribute to the pollution of Selangor’s water sources, as well as report any suspicious activities to Luas for immediate action,” Hee said.
