SEMENYIH, Feb 22 — Two premises involved in recycling oil and plastic waste at the Mahkota Beranang Industrial Area here are suspected to be the cause of the odour pollution in Sungai Kabul on February 19.
This is based on 24-hour patrols and monitoring by the Selangor Water Management Authority (LUAS).
Menteri Besar Dato' Seri Amirudin Shari said the premises could face action under Section 79(4) of the LUAS Enactment 1999, which provides for a fine of between RM200,000 and RM1 million, and mandatory imprisonment of up to three years if found guilty.
Following the pollution incident, Amirudin said immediate measures were taken to prevent any disruption to the operations of water treatment plants (WTP) and to the water supply for consumers.
“The activation of the Raw Water Security Scheme (SJAM) successfully prevented any disruption to the water supply during the mitigation period.
“This incident was the longest so far, with a mitigation period of approximately 62 hours. However, water supply was maintained as the existing capacity was sufficient,” he said at a press conference today.
Amirudin said investigations revealed that two adjacent premises involved in recycling oil and plastic waste were suspected of discharging oil residues and black effluent into the drainage system, which subsequently flowed into Sungai Kabul.
Mitigation measures implemented included the activation of the Yellow Code, controlling the flow of pollutants, and deodorisation works using oil booms, oil pads, and activated carbon.
In addition, SJAM's Ponds B and C were also pumped to ensure the continuity of treated water supply to the Sungai Semenyih WTP.
Amirudin said the premises had previously been fined in 2025, and stricter action would be taken this time.
“Laboratory tests on the samples clearly show violations that caused this foul odour pollution."
Amirudin said the Environment Department (JAS) has ordered the cessation of operations and issued cleanup notices to both premises, while the Kajang Municipal Council (MPKJ) has seized the first premises for operating without a license.
He also instructed investigations to be expanded to surrounding areas to curb unlicensed activities and those failing to meet standards, to prevent a recurrence of the incident.
“I have been informed that there are several premises recycling plastic in this area. I urge the relevant agencies to conduct immediate investigations and halt any activities that risk causing pollution,” he said.
