KOTA TINGGI: A palm oil processing factory has been ordered to cease equipment operations after water pollution was detected in Sungai Sayong at Kampung Orang Asli Sayong Pinang here.
Johor Environment Department (DOE) director Dr Mohd Famey Yusoff said a complaint was received from village representatives about the river water turning black on Sunday (Jan 25).
"I deployed a team of enforcement officers to the scene to carry out a thorough investigation.
"Following an expanded investigation radius and tracing along the river flow, we identified the suspected source of pollution as a palm oil processing factory operating in Layang-Layang," he said in a statement on Tuesday (Jan 27).
He added that investigations at the premises uncovered evidence of serious violations, where there was a failure in the premises’ effluent treatment system.
"An inspection found that the (effluent channel) on the premises had ruptured, causing raw effluent to leak out and flow directly into the water source, which subsequently led to river pollution affecting the surrounding community.
"I ordered immediate action," he said.
Dr Famey said the premises was subjected to an equipment operation detention order under Section 38(1)(a) of the Environmental Quality Act 1974.
"In addition, the premises’ licence has been suspended until improvement works are completed.
"This measure is aimed at immediately halting the operation of equipment that caused the pollution and ensuring full compliance by the premises," he said, adding that the factory manager and an operator were detained under Section 37(C) of the Act.
He added that the detention was to allow a detailed investigation to be completed before those responsible are brought to court.
"There will be no compromise when it comes to environmental crimes. Industries are reminded to always ensure their effluent treatment systems function properly and fully comply with the provisions of the Act.
"Negligence in managing industrial waste not only damages the river ecosystem but also affects the quality of life of the local community," he said.
Dr Famey urged the public to report any environmental pollution activities through the 24-hour toll-free line at 1-800-88-2727, e-mail to aduan_k@doe.gov.my or through the DOE e-complaint portal at https://eaduan.doe.gov.my.
On Oct 31, Kampung Orang Asli Sayong Pinang, Kampung Orang Asli Pasir Intan and Kampung Orang Asli Kempas Menang were reported to have been affected by river pollution after a sand washing pond burst in Ulu Sungai Johor near Kampung Orang Asli Sayong Pinang.
Following the incident, fishing activities along Ulu Sungai Johor were reportedly affected, and water supply disruptions were also reported in Johor Baru, Kulai, Pontian and Kota Tinggi.
