By Selangor Journal Team
SHAH ALAM, Feb 6 — The Selangor Water Management Authority (Luas) has successfully prevented risks to Sungai Kabul, and subsequently, the Sungai Semenyih water treatment plant, due to contamination to the river from a box manufacturing and printing firm.
According to state executive councillor for environment Jamaliah Jamaluddin, the findings also led Luas to identify past incidents of discolored water in Sungai Kabul.
“The investigation revealed traces of washing residue in the premises that matched the color of the wastewater in the manhole of the main toilet.
“The Luas team conducted a verification and confirmed the blue water in the bypass pipe and sewage manhole were due to the pollutants.
“The Kajang Municipal Council (MPKj) and Environment Department have ordered the premises to cease operations immediately and have seized the premises,” she said in a statement today.
She added that blue water was discovered around noon yesterday in an unauthorised bypass pipe previously sealed off by the MPKj after a January 15 incident where pink discolouration was found in Sungai Kabul.
Upon arrival, Luas found that the discoloured water had overflowed into a nearby drain.
Additionally, the team has promptly placed four bags of activated carbon in the drain area as a control and preventive measure.
“Luas has initiated an investigation under Section 79(4) of the Luas Enactment 1999 for the offence of polluting water resources.
“Luas has taken further action by sharing all findings with the National Water Services Commission for further action under the agency’s jurisdiction,” she said.
She also said Luas is conducting follow-up monitoring to prevent such incidents from recurring.