By Selangor Journal Team
SHAH ALAM, January 26 — The Selangor Water Management Authority (Luas) acted promptly to address an oil pollution incident in Sungai Gong yesterday evening, effectively preventing potential water disruption in the state that could have affected thousands.
The perpetrator responsible for the pollution, a machinery maintenance facility at an industrial area in Rawang, has been identified and the matter is currently under investigation.
State executive councillor for environment Jamaliah Jamaluddin said Luas spotted the pollution around 3pm during a routine patrol of the area and took immediate measures to address the issue.
The site of the incident is located approximately 16.15km from the Rantau Panjang water treatment plant (WTP), which would have taken the polluted river water about 11 hours to reach.
She said the state agency placed three oil booms and 30 oil pads along the river to prevent the oil-polluted water from flowing downstream, as well as 15 bags of activated carbons to eliminate odour.
“However, around 10.30pm, Pengurusan Air Selangor Sdn Bhd detected 1 tonne of odour near the Rantau Panjang WTP entry point, as a result of the flow of polluted water before the mitigation measures were taken,” she said in a statement today.
“Luas immediately activated the raw water pump from the KL Larut and Hang Tuah alternative water resource pond outlet to increase the rate of dissolution in the river.
“Luas also coordinated the opening of the river barrage door to accelerate the flow of the polluted water away from the WTP entrance.”
Jamaliah said these actions succeeded in preventing the pollution of the Rantau Panjang WTP, with no odour being recorded beginning 11.30pm. Raw water was then resupplied to the treatment plan starting 12.30am.
“It also ensured there was nor risk of closure of the state’s main WTPs, including at the Sungai Selangor WTP Phase 1, 2 and 3.”
She said works to extract oil from Sungai Gong were completed at 2.30am, with a total of four oil barrels and two intermediate bulk containers tanks involved.
Meanwhile, Jamaliah said a check by Luas at the premises in Rawang that was suspected to have caused the pollution found 12 barrels of diesel with a capacity of 17,000 litres per barrel.
“Luas has ordered the premises to stop the flow of the oil into the river and conduct immediate cleaning works.”
She added that Luas has opened an investigation paper under Section 79(1) of Luas Enactment 1999 against the perpetrator, and that the Selayang Municipal Council will also take action under its relevant laws.
“The state government and Luas will not compromise with any parties that are involved in the crime of water pollution and stern action will be taken,” she said.
Meanwhile, Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari took to social media to commend Luas over its swift response to the incident and preventing any potential water disruption.
