SHAH ALAM, Aug 22 — The Selangor Water Management Authority (Luas) will use drones to perform monthly checks and monitoring on the state’s main rivers as a more effective control against pollution.
Luas said aerial monitoring allows it to survey entire areas that impact main rivers.
“(We also) use water vehicle assets such as boats in rivers or water sources for closer monitoring and quality sampling,” it told Media Selangor.
It added that with cooperation from the Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry (Mosti), through the Malaysian Space Agency, developed a geographic and data information system: the Selangor Earth Surface Activity Monitoring System.
“This system increases the effectiveness of Luas’ monitoring, through the surveying of land use activities, especially those involving areas with bodies of water and areas that could contribute to water pollution in Selangor,” it said.
Luas added that from January 1 to July 31, 11 investigation papers have been opened and three compounds issued over river or water source pollution offences, compared with the same period last year (16 investigation papers, five compounds).
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof yesterday said 27 rivers, or 4 per cent of the 672 main waterways monitored nationwide last year, were polluted.
The energy transition and water transformation minister said that based on an Environment Department (DOE) report, from the 672 rivers, 475 (71 per cent) were clean while 170 (25 per cent) were moderately polluted.
Previously, Luas said river pollution in Selangor has decreased one-fold with 31 cases as of August 15, compared with 52 cases last year.
