Water cuts: Factory behind odour pollution is repeat offender

PETALING JAYA: The culprit behind the pollution that caused unscheduled water cuts in parts of Selangor and Kuala Lumpur is a repeat offender, says state environment, green technology, science, technology and innovation and consumer affairs committee chairman Hee Loy Sian (pic).

“This was the second time that the factory had caused odour pollution in the river.

“The first time was in March, during the first phase of the movement control order (MCO). The Environment Department (DOE) compounded the factory RM60,000," he said on Thursday (Sept 3) after visiting the factory.

Hee said based on the investigations by Selangor Water Management Authority (LUAS), DOE and Pengurusan Air Selangor Sdn Bhd, it was found that the factory in Rawang, which conducts repairs and maintenance on heavy machinery, was the source of odour pollution in Sungai Selangor.

“It was likely that the discarded oil during the oil changes was dispensed straight into the drain which flowed into the river.

“This had caused the odour pollution at Sungai Selangor's Rantau Panjang, Phase 1, Phase 2 and Phase 3 water treatment plants, ” he added.

Hee said they have decided to seal the factory until the operator complies with DOE standard operating procedures.

"We hope the people will be patient as we have also blocked the flow of discarded oil from the factory with activated carbon," he said.

The pollution caused unscheduled water disruptions in 1,292 areas in Kuala Lumpur, Petaling, Klang, Shah Alam, Kuala Selangor, Hulu Selangor, Gombak and Kuala Langat.

Air Selangor corporate communications head said in a statement that as of 11.30am Friday (Sept 4), there were still traces of pollution in Sungai Selangor.