Four water pollution cases averted by timely detection

SHAH ALAM: Four incidents which could potentially cause water pollution were detected in Selangor over the past week, but they were addressed immediately, says Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari.

Amirudin said the latest incident took place yesterday in which an oil spill was detected in a river in Kampung Baru Balakong, but probes by the relevant agencies found that it did not come from any factory or workshop around the area.

“Three days ago, we detected the same type of pollution in Sungai Kundang, Rawang. I’m concerned that this was done on purpose, but I have no proof.

“I urge all parties including those who were negligent, please ... this could affect millions of residents due to disrupted water supply,” he told reporters after handing out personal watercraft and electric bikes to Selangor police here yesterday.

Amirudin said the state government had recently increased the number of enforcement officers and personnel to monitor river basins in the state to avoid contamination from recurring.

They would be equipped with drones from this Sunday, he added.

Earlier, Lembaga Urus Air Selangor (Luas) said in a statement that it received a complaint from the public at about 6pm yesterday about a pollution incident in Kampung Baru Balakong.

Investigations found that it was caused by used engine oil being dumped at the location, according to the statement.

The oil slick could enter Sungai Balak and Sungai Langat, but Luas had placed oil pads and oil booms at the scene to prevent the oil from flowing into the rivers, the statement said.

It added that the investigation also found that the affected location was a stagnant water area, and it was suspected that the oil dumping was done by a third party.

Meanwhile, Selangor police have opened an investigation paper on the incident following a report lodged by the state Environment Department.