By Selangor Journal Team
SHAH ALAM, Sept 26 — The Selangor Water Management Authority (Luas) carried out a joint operation with several state and national agencies in Matang Pagar, Sungai Buloh after Sungai Kuang's stream was discovered to be polluted with foamy water on Monday (September 23).
State executive councillor for public health and the environment Jamaliah Jamaluddin said the operation included the Department of Environment (DOE), the Selayang Municipal Council (MPS), the Gombak District and Land Office, the Fire and Rescue Department's Hazardous Materials Special Unit, and the Royal Malaysia Police.
"Luas and the agencies' inspections revealed the presence of 45 IBC tanks placed at a site next to a community hall in Matang Pagar, suspected to contain multi-purpose detergent and floor cleaner.
"Further inspection found several tanks had ruptured and leaked, causing the contents to spill into a nearby drain next to the community hall and flow into Sungai Kuang, eventually leading to Sungai Selangor," she said in a statement today.
The DOE conducted sampling at the site and in the drain to identify the type of waste, with samples sent to the Department of Chemistry Malaysia for further analysis. MPS will undertake site clean-up based on the sample analysis of the tank contents, provided they are not classified as Scheduled Waste.
However, if the contents are confirmed as Scheduled Waste, a contractor appointed by DOE will carry out the clean-up.
"Luas also conducted sampling at the location for further analysis by the Department of Chemistry Malaysia under the Luas Enactment 1999, placing 10 bags of activated carbon at the affected drain as a control and preventive measure.
"It also conducted odour sampling at the location, recording a reading of zero Threshold Odour Number. Close monitoring at the site has been initiated for seven days starting today, to ensure the potential risk of pollution flow is prevented and controlled until the DOE analysis results are received, and the clean-up is fully completed," Jamaliah said.
An investigation file under Section 79 of the Luas Enactment 1999 for further enforcement actions against the responsible parties has also been opened.
"The state government expresses its appreciation to the agencies involved for their commitment and cooperation in preventing the pollution from escalating. All quarters, including the state government, Luas, and the involved agencies will not compromise with any party responsible for polluting water sources.
"Strict action will be taken following the provisions of the Luas Enactment 1999 and relevant legal provisions of all related state agencies," she said.
[caption id="attachment_373774" align="aligncenter" width="1351"]
Personnel from the Selangor Water Management Authority and several other state and national agencies in discussion on resolving the pollution to Sungai Kuang, caused by chemicals in a drain near a community hall in Matang Pagar, Sungai Buloh, on September 26, 2024. — Picture via FACEBOOK/LEMBAGA URUS AIR SELANGOR[/caption]
