By Yasmin Ramlan
SHAH ALAM, April 18 — The state government is moving forward to rehabilitate the water quality in Selangor’s rivers by implementing targeted enforcement and conservation strategies in Telok Gong, Port Klang.
State executive councillor for public health and the environment Jamaliah Jamaluddin said the approach makes it the first industrial zone in the state to adopt the Zero Discharge Policy (ZDP).
The policy, implemented via the Selangor Water Management Authority (Luas), aims to regulate industrial wastewater discharge to protect and rehabilitate key waterways, including Sungai Telok Gong, Sungai Langat, and Selat Lumut.
“In an effort to preserve the condition of rivers across Selangor, including Sungai Telok Gong, and to improve water quality, the Selangor government, through Luas, has been actively carrying out river monitoring initiatives under the River Monitoring Programme (RMP) since April 2023.
“The programme adopts a micro-level approach by monitoring the quality of ‘outfall’ discharged into the state’s main rivers, and it is carried out on a regular basis,” she said in a statement today.
Jamaliah said that to date, four rounds of water sampling have been conducted in the Sungai Telok Gong area.
Follow-up actions based on the findings are being coordinated and implemented in collaboration with the Department of Environment (DOE) and the Royal Klang City Council (MBDK), in accordance with each agency’s scope and jurisdiction.
She added that the water conservation initiative launched in December last year focused on specific locations discharging into major water bodies, including Jalan Ikan Tampang, Jalan Udang Galah, and Pos PGA Jeti Perajurit.
“As a result of the initiative, water quality in the affected areas has improved, with the Water Quality Index (WQI) reaching Class III by March 2025 — categorised as moderately polluted, but still suitable for raw water supply with intensive treatment,” Jamaliah said.
Additionally, the river monitoring efforts are aligned with the state’s long-term goals of improving the quality of Selangor’s rivers, with the main focus on Sungai Telok Gong.
She said the efforts form part of a broader strategy that integrates proactive monitoring with collaboration from local communities and the industrial sector to protect and rehabilitate Selangor’s key water resources.
To date, approximately 92 ZDP licences have been issued to industrial premises operating in Telok Gong.
“The quality of water resources in Telok Gong can be improved to a better level in the long term with the high commitment of all stakeholders, such as premises owners, as well as the commercial and industrial sectors.
“The state government, Luas, and relevant authorities will not compromise and will take strict action against any activities that cause problems or pollute water resources, in accordance with Section 79(4) of the Luas Enactment 1999,” Jamaliah said.
