Johor Sultan decrees probe for polluters of two other rivers

JOHOR BARU: Johor Ruler Sultan Ibrahim Ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar wants the authorities to investigate two other rivers that are allegedly polluted.

His Majesty decreed that he wanted the authorities to investigate the pollution in Sungai Ulu Benut and Sungai Machap in Simpang Renggam that caused many fish to die in order to prevent a repeat of the Sungai Kim Kim incident.

His Majesty also wanted the relevant authorities to immediately submit a report on the two polluted rivers.

“This is an irresponsible action,” His Majesty said to the Royal Press Office, which is posted on Sultan Ibrahim’s official Facebook page.

State Department of Environment (DoE) director Datuk Dr Mohammad Ezanni Mat Salleh said they had already conducted investigations on the two rivers.

He said the department has also identified those allegedly responsible for polluting the rivers.

“Evidence is collected to allow court action against those responsible for the act.”

He also said they have issued four compounds on the companies which polluted the rivers.

He declined to elaborate as the case is still being investigated.

Thousands of people, including children, in Pasir Gudang were affected after chemical waste was dumped into Sungai Kim Kim, forcing the government to close 111 schools in the area last week.

Two directors and a lorry driver of a used tyre-processing company have already been charged in the Sessions Court here for polluting the river.