Two factories in Beranang probed for dumping pollutants in Sungai Kabul

SELANGOR Water Management Authority (Luas) has opened investigation papers on two factories in Beranang after substances resembling the pollutants in Sungai Kabul were found on their premises.

In a statement, Selangor tourism and environment exco member Hee Loy Sian said Luas detected frothy white substances flowing in Sungai Kabul at 11.30am on Saturday (Oct 1), during its routine monitoring at Sungai Langat basin.

Based on investigations by Luas, the Environment Department and Kajang Municipal Council (MPKj), he said substances of the same colour detected in Sungai Kabul were found in a factory that supplies construction material and park equipment in Kawasan Perindustrian Mahkota.

Similarly, he said Luas and MPKj suspected an aluminium factory of discharging frothy effluent into a nearby drain.

“Water samples from the last discharge points from inside and outside both factories have been taken and sent to the Chemistry Department for analysis.

“Odour and physical condition of the river is normal. Air Selangor did not report any disruption at water treatment plants (WTP).

“Estimated distance from the suspected sources of pollution to the three nearest WTP inlets are 17km to the Semenyih WTP, 29km to the Bukit Tampoi WTP and 40km to the Labohan Dagang WTP,” he said, adding that the authorities were monitoring the situation.

Hee said the investigation papers were opened under Section 79(1) of the Luas Enactment 1999, in which the premises owner faces a minimum fine of RM200,000 and a maximum of RM1mil and jail of not less than three years if found guilty.