MPKj still probing source of pink pollution in Sg Kabul


By CY LEE

Nazli (centre) and MPKj councillors tossing ‘yee sang’ after the full board meeting.

INVESTIGATIONS into the source of pink-hued water pollution in Sungai Kabul, Beranang, Selangor, earlier this month is ongoing, says Kajang Municipal Council (MPKj).

Council president Nazli Md Taib said the local council was working with Selangor Water Management Authority (LUAS) and the Chemistry Department (JKM) to identify the source.

“Samples were taken for chemical analysis by JKM but until we receive the results, we cannot conclusively determine the culprit,” he said after chairing the council’s full board meeting at Menara MPKj.

The discharge stretching some 500m was traced to a factory in the Beranang industrial area.

It raised alarm bells over potential contamination of Sungai Semenyih Water Treatment Plant (LRA).

MPKj enforcement officers had inspected several factories in the area, Nazli said.

“Although we found a factory with chemicals resembling the pollutants in the river, further testing is needed to confirm if it is responsible.”

An illegal drain connected to the local council’s drain was also discovered during investigations, he said.

“The illegal drain is suspected to have been the pathway for the pollutants and has since been closed off,” he added.

Nazli also addressed the ongoing legalisation of factories operating without proper permits.

“There are more than 500 illegal factories under MPKj’s jurisdiction and we will continue working to help them legalise their operations,” he said.

During the Compliance and Enforcement of Illegal Factories Programme in Selangor 2025-2027 (Southern Zone) last week, Selangor local government and tourism committee chairman Datuk Ng Suee Lim said the state had given factories until Dec 31, 2027, to legalise their businesses.

Ng said factories must begin the registration process by Dec 31 this year to meet the deadline.

Nazli said MPKj aimed to strike a balance between business and compliance.

“We are seeking a win-win situation because these businesses can generate revenue for the council,” he said.

However, he noted that legalisation often required approval from other agencies, such as LUAS and the Fire and Rescue Department.

“Many factories were built decades ago when requirements were less stringent, which adds to the challenges,” said Nazli.

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