PETALING JAYA: Although stiffer penalties may discourage river pollution, consumers say that strict enforcement and frequent patrols involving both the public and enforcement partners are required for a higher deterrent effect.
Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations chief executive officer Dr Saravanan Thambirajah has called for stricter enforcement to go hand in hand with the heavier penalties.
“It should not be just a desk job. Enforcers must go to the ground, monitor and investigate.
“They should be equipped with proper devices or tools of technology to help them.
“They should also work with the public, who can be their eyes and ears in enforcement. Maybe a surveillance and complaint app can be developed for this purpose,” he said when contacted yesterday.
Saravanan said the people should not always blame the government or industries alone when it comes to river pollution.
“We also have a big role in protecting our environment.
“If we see anyone polluting, we should complain to the relevant parties and not share it on our social media because by then, it would have been too late.
“The people should make sure that we use the right avenue to lodge a complaint,” he added.
Saravanan also urged people to use less single-use plastics, avoid dumping used cooking oil down the drain and not waste water.
“We can make small changes that will have a big effect on environmental protection in the long run,” he added.
Lauding the heavier penalties, a residents’ association president from Subang Jaya, GK Lim, said he was “eager to see” culprits face the music.
“The huge fines will certainly create some fear among repeat offenders.
“But businesses will always find ways to cut costs, and the quickest way to do that is to dump irresponsibly.
“So, I think the law will only work when our enforcement is strict and serious about charging those who break the law,” he said.
Night market trader Shamsul Zain agreed, adding that the frequent water disruptions had affected his family’s quality of life.
The 43-year-old from Puchong said his food business was affected at times if he did not have enough water stored as a back-up.
“Any laws and efforts to change this long-overdue issue are welcome.
“They must be followed through to the end to make sure they work,” he said.
On Thursday, Selangor Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari assured consumers that their water supply would not be disrupted in the near future in the event that Sungai Selangor was affected by pollution.
He said the construction of the Raw Water Guarantee Scheme project, currently at 40%, was expected to be completed by the third quarter of this year.
“This will ensure at least five days of uninterrupted water supply, even if pollution occurs,” he said.
The project, which was launched in 2020 at a cost of over RM200mil, would ensure that polluted raw water is directed away from water treatment plants.
Last week, odour pollution at Sungai Selangor forced the temporary shutdown of four water treatment plants.
