SHAH ALAM, April 19 — The state government is looking to control the pollution in the Sungai Buloh river basin via a comprehensive plan, following a recent media report on its condition.
State executive councillor for the environment Hee Loy Sian referred to the Aduan Rakyat programme on TV3, where it was claimed the pollution has disrupted and stunted its mussel growth.
“It is undeniable that this is influenced by the quality and condition of the river basin. This is due to the rapid development taking place alongside it, involving various economic sectors like industrial, commercial, housing, animal husbandry and aquaculture activities.
“All of the above sectors play a contributing role to the increase in effluent flow into the river, and thus its drop in water quality,” he said in a statement today.
Noting the development pace is a considerable challenge in trying to ensure the preservation of Sungai Buloh’s water quality, Hee said it involves development in areas adjacent to river reserves. One such element is earthworks, which contribute to increased turbidity and sediment.
“In addition, there are estimated to be over 30 sewage treatment plants (SWTP) in parallel with the development of housing and commercial premises.
“They include commercial premises, workshops, car wash centres, and wet markets which similarly release wastewater/sullage into the river. Simultaneously, the river basin encompasses a relatively dense settlement area of several villages and housing areas,” he said.
Likewise, the existence of agricultural fields and livestock areas within the vicinity of the basin has also led to a decline in river water quality.
“Based on the inventory records of land use activities in the Sungai Buloh reserve, 18 per cent of animal husbandry and aquaculture activities can potentially cause the release of effluents to nearby water sources and are risks to the water quality, should there be no efficient treatment system.
“To this, the state government via the Selangor Water Management Authority (Luas) has, is, and will implement further control measures in the river basin,” Hee said.
These include:
- Conducting a periodical Sungai Buloh Sanitation Study with on-site monitoring and sampling methods, to identify and update the pollution sources inventory. This is in reference to the sampling of water quality in designated areas on a regular basis.
- The development of the Sungai Buloh Action Plan (PTSB) on April 26, 2016, alongside integrated action via a committee with technical agencies, local authorities, District and Land Offices, and stakeholders like fishermen’s associations. PTSB includes policies and strategies to ensure sufficient water, its cleanliness, flood protection, and environmental conservation.
- Implementing control for the entry or release licence of pollutants within set parameters and limits, involving activities that are subject to the Entry or Release of Pollutants Regulations (Selangor) 2012.
- Implementing controls for activities involving rivers and water bodies through a Luas Written Permit, per the Regulations for Resource Modification Activities (Selangor) 2013.
- Conducting a mapping study and inventory of land use activities in the Sungai Buloh, Sungai Langat, and Sungai Selangor river reserves in 2019. This is to identify activities with the potential to cause pollution and also to control activities in the river reserves. Per a series of periodic site monitoring and inventory records, the breakdown of land use activities for business and service activities is the highest at 43 per cent, followed by industry at 18 per cent, and animal husbandry and aquaculture at 18 per cent.
- The development of the Sungai Buloh Integrated River Basin Management Plan 2021 by the Irrigation and Drainage Department, taking into account Sungai Buloh’s various aspects including water quantity and quality.
For long-term measures, several have been planned and will be implemented by the state government via LUAS. They include:
Implementation of pollution control with the Zero Discharge Policy (ZDP) recommendation and the Polluters Pay Principle (PPP).
The ZDP, currently being reviewed and analysed, will involve various sectors that release effluents including the industrial and manufacturing sectors. It is a green initiative in which premises recycle their effluent discharges, instead of releasing them into the river and water sources.
It will be implemented in collaboration with all local authorities and the Environment Department. Alongside the ZDP, the PPP will enable Luas to charge any premises for the amount of pollution burden released into the river, should it exceeds the set standard limit.
Both policies are being studied for their overall feasibility, in terms of impact on the balance and sustainability of water resources, as well as the economy.
Implementation of pollution control With Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL)
The TMDL is a step to assess the ability of a water source (river) in accepting the burden of pollutants without affecting its quality. At the present, Luas has conducted two TMDL studies in the basins of Sungai Langat dan Sungai Sembah, with plans to carry out further studies in Selangor’s rivers, including Sungai Buloh’s basin, in the future
Empowerment of community awareness programs in the surrounding areas
Luas will do so by establishing the Selangor Friends of River initiative in the Sungai Buloh river basin, aimed at fostering awareness among local residents regarding the importance of looking after the quality of water resources, particularly those living near the river bank. State assemblymen will also be roped in help the community’s joint efforts in protecting and conserving water resources.
