More than a million people in four districts were affected by the water supply disruption following the Oct 31 pollution incident in Sg Johor. — Courtesy photo
Johor is committed to ensuring its water resources are better protected, including carrying out regular checks on operations or premises deemed to be of high risk of causing pollution.
Johor works, transportation, infrastructure and communications committee chairman Mohamad Fazli Mohamad Salleh said heftier penalties would be imposed on any party polluting water sources.
“We are also fine-tuning the standard operating procedure, especially for high-risk areas,” he said, adding that the state government was in the midst of ensuring better coordination among agencies during a pollution incident.
Mohamad Fazli had earlier said it was paramount to gazette Sungai Johor as a protected water source.
Mohamad Fazli: Water turbidity in Sg Johor spiked to 37,400 NTU compared with the normal level of around 400 NTU.“We have had early discussions to gazette Sungai Johor.
“This means any future development along the river, including tributaries that flow into it, will be subject to strict regulations and guidelines.
“A committee will also be formed to provide feedback to the state government on implementation and control measures.”
Mohamad Fazli said the Oct 31 Sungai Johor water pollution incident was the worst the state had ever experienced involving a water supply source.
He said the water turbidity level in Sungai Johor had spiked to 37,400 NTU (Nephelometric Turbidity Units) compared with the normal level of around 400 NTU. (A higher NTU means murkier water, often caused by soil runoff or pollution).
Initial investigations found the incident was triggered by a local sand mining operator after soil movement led to the collapse of a sand-washing pond in Kota Tinggi.
This led to some 1.2 million people in Johor Baru, Kota Tinggi, Kulai and Pontian districts experiencing unscheduled water disruptions as supply at four water treatment plants was affected.
It also disrupted the livelihoods of fishermen who depend on the river, including those from Kampung Orang Asli Sayong Pinang, Kampung Orang Asli Pasir Intan and Kampung Orang Asli Kempas Menang.
On action taken after the incident, Mohamad Fazli said the sand mining operations were temporarily suspended pending investigations, and the operator directed to produce a plan which detailed its operations and boundaries, and to also identify the river’s reserve land.
“We have also directed the proprietor to engage an engineering company to design a sludge pond.
“Operations will only be allowed to continue after the new pond is built as per the requirements,” he said.
“The operator has also been told to instal real-time monitors to check on water quality and closed circuit TV (CCTV) cameras for better surveillance.”
Mohamad Fazli added that a periodic audit by an independent agency would be carried out. — By NELSON BENJAMIN and VENESA DEVI
