SHAH ALAM: The frustrating days of frequent water disruptions in Selangor could be over by year-end when a RM300mil project to provide an alternative water supply network in the event of pollution incidents is expected to be completed.
Selangor infrastructure and public utilities, modernisation of agriculture and agro-based industry committee chairman Izham Hashim said the Raw Water Guarantee Scheme provides an alternative water supply network when pollution happens.“The RM300mil project involves four main packages along Sungai Selangor and Sungai Semenyih, and is expected to be completed by the end of the year,” he said in a statement.
He gave an update on the project following yet another unscheduled water cut in the state recently because of pollution detected at a raw water source.
The state government, he said, has instructed the Selangor Water Management Authority (Luas) to increase its monitoring of water sources following the supply disruption during Hari Raya.
He said Luas will carry out 24-hour monitoring at sensitive and hotspot areas in the Sungai Selangor and Sungai Langat basins, which are the state’s raw water sources.
“Luas will not only increase the frequency of its monitoring in the affected areas but also expand its surveillance within a wider radius of the water treatment plants.”
Last Saturday, odour pollution was detected at the Jenderam Hilir raw water pump station, causing an unscheduled disruption to 463 areas in Sepang, Petaling, Hulu Langat, Putrajaya and Kuala Langat that lasted for over 12 hours.
On Tuesday, odour pollution happened in the same area again, with supply to 472 areas in the five regions cut at 3pm and restored by 8am the next day.
The incident triggered the temporary shutdown of the Sungai Semenyih and Bukit Tampoi water treatment plants.
Izham said the state will not compromise on action against those who contaminate water sources, urging the public to report any suspicious activity to Luas via email at aduan@luas.gov.my or WhatsApp at 019-264 7904.
Under Section 104 (4) of the Luas Enactment 1999 (Amendment 2020), a reward can be offered to anyone who provides information on the detection of any offence under the enactment, subject to conditions.
The Environment Department (DOE) has issued an order to stop operating equipment on the premises suspected of causing the diesel odour pollution, Bernama reported.
DOE director-general Wan Abdul Latiff Wan Jaffar said the order was issued after an investigation was carried out along Sungai Semenyih, in the Beranang industrial area.
He said samples of oil and water from the premises were taken for further investigation.
Action under Section 25 of the Environmental Quality Act 1974 will be taken after obtaining the results of chemical analysis, he said.
“If found guilty, the premises’ representatives can be fined up to RM100,000 or jailed a maximum of five years or both.” An additional fine of up to RM1,000 per day can also be imposed for each day the offence continues.
“DOE will continue its investigation and inspection of all premises that have the potential to cause pollution and stern action will be taken. Informants can be rewarded under Section 48B of the Environmental Quality Act 1974 when offenders are caught and informants are protected under Section 50A of the same Act.”
