By Selangor Journal Team
SHAH ALAM, June 26 — The Selangor Water Management Authority (Luas) has run a simulated oil spill training programme to increase its preparedness in responding to critical water pollution incidents.
Luas explained that the training, held at the Hang Tuah pond in Bestari Jaya, involved 25 personnel and three training modules.
“The training covered an introduction to water pollution from the perspectives of Luas and the National Water Service Commission (SPAN), as well as the necessary steps to be taken during pollution incidents.
“It also covered the different types of water pollution and the causes behind them,” it said in a statement posted on its Facebook.
“The third training module involved practical exercises conducted at the Hang Tuah Pond in Bestari Jaya. This module specifically focused on oil spill management operations and provided hands-on experience with the equipment used to control and mitigate oil spills.”
Luas said the combination of briefing and practical training sessions is aimed at enhancing participants’ knowledge and skills in handling oil spill incidents.
“These sessions provided participants with appropriate methods and techniques to effectively respond to such events.
“Additionally, the briefing session helps participants develop a deeper understanding of the common causes of pollution in bodies of water and water sources, along with strategies to address and mitigate them,” the statement read.
According to the Department of Environment (DOE), Selangor had the most water pollution complaints between 2019 and July 29, 2022.
During the mentioned period, DOE recorded a total of 3,235 water pollution complaints nationwide. Out of these, Selangor accounted for 27 per cent, which translated to 880 complaints in the state.
Last February, following an odour pollution incident at the Rantau Panjang water treatment plant (WTP), a total of 1,337 areas in Selangor experienced water cuts.
Pengurusan Air Selangor Sdn Bhd (Air Selangor) was then compelled to temporarily shut down four water treatment plants, namely Rantau Panjang WTP, Sungai Selangor Phase 1 WTP, Sungai Selangor Phase 2 WTP, and Sungai Selangor Phase 3 WTP.
Similarly, in December last year, water disruption that affected approximately 472 areas in Selangor and Putrajaya on Christmas Eve was caused by the dumping of perfume essence into the river.
Air Selangor is responsible for managing and providing water resources to a significant population of over 8.4 million residents in Selangor, Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya.
