JOHOR BARU: The Johor government is expected to impose new conditions on companies that operate near rivers as part of stronger measures to prevent pollution incidents, says exco member Ling Tian Soon (pic).
The state health and environment committee chairman said the move follows the contamination of Sungai Johor in Kota Tinggi, believed to have occurred when a sand-washing pond burst and released sediment into the river on Oct 31.
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"There will be new regulations to ensure industries comply with all stipulated conditions.
"The matter is now being handled by the state exco in charge, who will issue a detailed plan on the state’s long-term measures," he told reporters after witnessing the handover of medical equipment to Hospital Sultan Ismail here on Tuesday (Dec 2).
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He added that investigations into the Sungai Johor incident were not solely under the Environment Department, as it involves other relevant agencies, such as the Land and Mines Office and the Kota Tinggi District Office.
The Oct 31 incident sent muddy water coursing down Sungai Johor, affecting the Orang Asli settlements of Kampung Orang Asli Sayong Pinang, Kampung Orang Asli Pasir Intan and Kampung Orang Asli Kempas Menang.
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It also disrupted the livelihoods of about 150 fishermen along the upper stretch of the river and impacted raw water supply to some 1.8 million people, or 455,757 account holders, across Johor Baru, Kulai, Pontian and Kota Tinggi.
On Nov 2, state works, transportation, infrastructure and communication committee chairman Mohamad Fazli Mohamad Salleh said the mining operator involved had its extractive material permit suspended pending investigations.
He said a probe was being carried out under Section 7A(1)(c) of the Water Enactment 1921 (Amendment 2014) and the Environmental Quality Act 1974.
