By Selangor Journal Team
SHAH ALAM, Sept 25 — The Selangor Water Management Authority (Luas) is looking into the disposal of eight chemical drums into a drainage channel of the industrial area in Jalan Desa Aman, Sungai Buloh yesterday.
However, state executive councillor for public health and the environment Jamaliah Jamaluddin said that the drums in the channel, which flows into the nearby Sungai Gasi and Sungai Buloh, did not affect any water treatment plants' (WTP) intake points downstream of the affected area.
"Around 2pm yesterday, several drums suspected to contain chemicals were detected dumped into a drainage channel in the industrial area of Jalan Desa Aman, Sungai Buloh. Luas, along with the Selayang Municipal Council (MPS), immediately responded to the site.
"Upon inspection, eight unlabelled drums were found discarded in the drainage channel. Luas and MPS detected a strong chemical-like odour at the location where the drums were dumped," she said in a statement today.
MPS took action by installing cordon tape at the location to facilitate further investigation and preventive measures, while Luas immediately communicated with the Department of Environment (DOE), Pengurusan Air Selangor Sdn Bhd, the National Water Services Commission, the Royal Malaysian Police, and the Fire and Rescue Department for joint action.
"The DOE has collected samples from the drums using scheduled waste handling safety equipment due to the suspected chemical contents.
"Luas has also conducted sampling for further analysis, and an investigation paper under Section 79(4) of the Luas Enactment 1999 has been opened for enforcement action by Luas. Additionally, MPS is carrying out clean-up operations at the location," Jamaliah said.
The councillor added that Luas expresses its appreciation to all involved agencies for their commitment and cooperation, which allowed for the immediate implementation of preventive measures and helped avoid a greater impact on water resources, particularly the river.
"Luas and Selangor government agencies are serious and committed to ensuring that the state's water resources and environment are always protected.
"The state government and Luas also extend their gratitude to all parties and the public for providing information related to suspicious activities in the state's water resource areas, allowing prompt action to be taken and preventing a larger impact," she said.
This demonstrates that the community is increasingly aware of the importance of preserving water resources and the environment, especially rivers, even if the river flow does not involve WTP intake points and the water supply.
"The state government urges everyone not to use water resource areas, particularly rivers, as a dumping ground for waste and refuse.
"Report any suspicious activities that have the potential to contribute to water source pollution. The preservation and conservation of water resources are a shared responsibility, and the concern and cooperation of all are greatly appreciated," Jamaliah said.
