By Dewi Abdul Rahman
HULU LANGAT, July 27 — The state government has instructed the Selangor Water Management Authority (Luas) to conduct an immediate investigation into a pollution incident detected at a tributary of Sungai Klang in Hulu Kelang.
According to state executive councillor for infrastructure and agriculture Dato' Izham Hashim, the possibility of illegal effluent discharge has not been ruled out, as it may have caused the river water to become murky and black in a very short span of time.
[caption id="attachment_409185" align="alignright" width="423"]
State executive councillor for infrastructure and agriculture Dato' Izham Hashim speaks in a press conference during the Selangor Agro Green 2025 programme, organised by the Selangor Department of Agriculture, at the Hulu Langat Department of Agriculture on July 26, 2025. — Picture by HARUN TAJUDIN/MEDIA SELANGOR[/caption]
“The pollution occurred suddenly as the river, which was initially clear, abruptly turned murky and black. It happened shortly after a community city fishing activity with local residents this morning,” he said.
Izham added that the state government will take stern action against any party found guilty, including imposing the maximum fine permitted under existing laws.
“There will be no compromise if we can identify the company involved. We are currently tracing the source,” he emphasised.
The councillor noted that the area is indeed an active site for river-related activities and community clean-up efforts.
“This incident is also the first reported complaint involving pollution in that area. The location is a known site for net fishing in the upstream section and is under the care of the Friends of Rivers group.
"The river is regularly used for various activities, including communal clean-ups and maintenance work,” he said after officiating the Selangor Agro Green 2025 programme yesterday.
Izham also expressed regret over the irresponsible attitude of certain parties who continue to dispose of waste into rivers, despite knowing that rivers are a primary source of water for the public.
“Sometimes I personally cannot comprehend how some people can so easily dispose of waste and pollutants into the river. When in fact, rivers and water are vital sources of life.
"Yet we seem to feel no guilt or appreciation for the rivers and water sources we have. We pollute them recklessly without considering the consequences,” he said.
