JOHOR BARU: The move to gazette Sungai Johor as a permanent water catchment area is a crucial move to ensure the state's water sources remain clean and protect, says Ranhill SAJ Sdn Bhd.
Its chief executive officer Anuar Abdul Ghani said the water operator is in full support of the state government's proposal.
“Ranhill SAJ is deeply concerned about pollution threats that could disrupt the operations of the four water treatment plants (LRA) drawing water from Sungai Johor, which would in turn affect consumers.
“Gazetting Sungai Johor as a permanent catchment area will serve as a key defence in protecting the state’s water resources,” he said in a statement on Thursday (Nov 6).
Anuar said the four treatment plants dependent on Sungai Johor are the Linggiu, Semangar, Sungai Johor and Tai Hong LRAs.
He added that the company also operates eight other LRAs within the Sungai Muar basin, namely Panchor 1 to 4, Pagoh, Gombang, Gersik and Bukit Serampang.
He said the proposed gazettement would not only regulate development and industrial activities near the raw water catchment areas but also strengthen preventive and enforcement measures by relevant authorities.
“River pollution issues not only harm the environment but also affect the wellbeing of the people.
“When a treatment plant’s operations are halted due to raw water quality not meeting treatment standards, the people are the ones who suffer.
“It disrupts their quality of life and also slows down economic growth,” he said.
Anuar said protecting water catchment areas must be seen as a strategic priority to ensure continuous and sustainable water supply for Johoreans.
“Water is the source of life, and the responsibility to protect it must be shared by everyone," he said.
Last Friday (Oct 31), pollution was detected in Sungai Johor, forcing four LRAs along the river to temporarily halt operations due to severely deteriorated raw water quality.
The water’s turbidity level was recorded at over 37,400 NTU (Nephelometric Turbidity Unit), far exceeding the normal level of around 400 NTU.
The incident caused water supply disruptions affecting nearly 300,000 consumer accounts in areas including Johor Baru, Kota Tinggi, Gelang Patah, Skudai and Kulai.
