Raid uncovers illegal water tapping

Nurul Zaiha (left), Air Selangor enforcement section assistant vice-president II Nasir Othman and Loh showing the chlorine test done on the water.

Illegal water tapping at a construction site in Kampung Olak Lempit in Banting, Selangor has led to an estimated RM80,000 in losses for Pengurusan Air Selangor Sdn Bhd (Air Selangor).

The unauthorised pipe connection was discovered in a joint operation by Air Selangor and the National Water Services Commission (SPAN).

SPAN corporate communications and consumer affairs unit senior executive Loh Pit Mui said an illegal pipe connection near the site was uncovered in a raid.

A small 25mm-diameter pipe, measuring 200m long, was used to distribute water to the construction site, she said.

“The water is supplied to the workers’ quarters on the site, believed to be for the workers’ daily use.

“A check by Air Selangor also found the site not having a registered meter for water supply.

“Based on a chlorine test conducted on the water, it is ascertained that the supply is treated water from Air Selangor, ” she said, adding that the matter would be investigated under Section 123 (1) of the Water Services Industry Act 2006.

If found guilty, the party responsible can be fined up to RM100,000 or jailed one year, or both.

Nurul Zaiha (left), Air Selangor enforcement section assistant vice-president II Nasir Othman and Loh showing the chlorine test done on the water.

SPAN is the national regulatory agency for water supply and sewerage services in the peninsula and Labuan, since Jan 1,2008.

Air Selangor enforcement section head Nurul Zaiha Zainol said the concessionaire would issue a compensation notice to the site owner.

“The illegal pipe has been cut during the raid.

“An investigation will be conducted to find out if the supply was only for the workers or for other purposes, ” she said.

StarMetro reported on Sept 3 that Air Selangor planned to reduce non-revenue water (NRW) by 1% annually.

Last year, the concessionaire recorded 29.6% in NRW, a 2% decrease from 2018.

“We hope this operation will raise awareness among the public that illegal tapping into the water supply is a crime, ” said Loh.

She advised the public to report any suspected water supply theft to SPAN.

“The public can bring the matter to our attention by calling 03-8317 9333 or emailing [e-mail], ” she added.