By Suhaila Shahrul Annuar
AMPANG JAYA, Aug 10 — The state administration’s implementation of the Zero Discharge Policy (ZDP) on June 20 through the Selangor Water Management Authority (Luas) has reinforced the state’s water resource management system’s quality, said Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari.
The Menteri Besar said that the policy promotes waste management practices and discourages the discharge of effluents, especially at the industrial level, by business owners, factory operators, and premises.
He said the ZDP outlines 13 activities related to water resources and river basins, such as development or land work, aquaculture (freshwater, brackish, and saltwater), poultry farming, and ruminant livestock.
He said it also includes pet animals, rock material washing, sand mining, slaughterhouses, industries, recreational activities, sewage treatment systems, solid waste management services, and water supply services.
“These activities involve the discharge of effluents that affect water quality, causing pollution, sediment, or turbidity, which would impact our water intakes and treatment plants,” he said when met after launching the state-level World Water Day 2024 Celebration at Tasik Pandan Perdana, here today.
Amirudin said that the initiative’s first year following the policy’s gazettement is focused on educating stakeholders about initiatives aimed at lowering the volume of effluent discharges.
“For this first year, it is about creating awareness and education. After that, we will take stricter action by imposing certain charges depending on the type of discharge and activity,” he said.
The ZDP aims to raise awareness among stakeholders and industries of their roles in the protection and conservation of water resources, where their operations may affect and pose risks to the resources and its surroundings.
Previously, Luas director Hasrolnizam Shaari stated that the new regulation could address sludge issues and the decline in water resource quality by emphasising the control of water discharges into rivers according to standard operating procedures (SOPs).
Meanwhile, Luas had earlier signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Malaysian Space Agency (Mysa) to enhance the monitoring of the state’s water resources.
In a statement, the state agency said that the satellite-based monitoring system Selangor Earth Surface Activity Monitoring Systems (Sesams) was developed to monitor land use activities.
It said lakes, ponds, rivers and areas that might be causing pollution to Selangor’s water resources are included in the monitoring.
“The Sesams system, developed based on space technology, fully leverages the advantages of remote sensing technology, geographic information systems, global positioning systems, and information and communication technology.
“The development of the system is a step forward for Selangor in further empowering the monitoring of existing state water resources with the satellite technology owned by Mysa, thereby enhancing Luas’ operational effectiveness.
“The strategic collaboration would also strengthen the delivery of government services to the people, aligning with Mysa’s commitment to leading the implementation of the National Space Policy 2030 (DAN2030) in line with the goals of the National Science, Technology, and Innovation Policy (DSTIN) led by the Science, Technology, and Innovation Ministry (Mosti),” the statement read.
The MoU exchange ceremony between Hasrolnizam and Mysa director-general Gs Azlikamil Napiah was witnessed by Amirudin earlier at the event.
In his speech, Hasrolnizam said that Luas has also rebranded its Rapid Response Squad (Skuad Pantas Luas) to Luas Water Elite Squad (SKEAL) as the frontline in addressing water pollution issues on-site.
“The squad, which operates 24 hours a day, will have new and improved equipment to help increase the effectiveness and efficiency of on-site monitoring, patrolling, and mitigation operations.
“In addition to using land vehicles, Luas' on-site patrolling and monitoring will now make use of assets like jet skis, which are seen to facilitate technical inspections and on-site actions,” he added.
