SHAH ALAM, Feb 14 — The swift action taken by authorities has prevented the suspension of water treatment plants following contamination detected in a monsoon drain.
“Quick action and immediate solution managed to avoid the suspension of water treatment plants’ operations that could potentially lead to water supply disruption,” said Selangor Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari on his Facebook page today.
His post was accompanied by a statement released by the Selangor Management Water Authority (Luas) which stated that it received a report from the Kajang Municipal Council (MPKj) regarding the pollution of a monsoon drain at Taman Semenyih Permata, Semenyih, 3.30pm on Thursday.
“Early investigations conducted by Luas and MPKj discovered that the pollution was due to an effluent released by an iron metal melting premises which operates illegally at Lot 1317, Hulu Semenyih, in the Hulu Langat district on a 3-acre land.
“Checks also revealed that the melting of and iron-metal separation activities have resulted in black carbon soot to be formed which was disposed of at two nearby ponds,” the statement read.
It said that carbon soot mixed with water in the ponds were also found causing the water to turn black. The overflow of the black liquid due to heavy rain had caused the monsoon drain nearby to be polluted which could also potentially lead to the pollution of Sungai Semenyih.
“No suspension to the water treatment plant and water supply disruption to consumers were reported following the quick measures taken at the site.
“Mitigative measures and surveillance are being carried out by Luas from time to time along with the relevant parties involved,” the statement added.
