AZMIN’S SILENCE CRITICISED

NGO urges Selangor MB to launch inquiry into water plant accident

SELANGOR Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Azmin Ali’s silence over the state’s water crisis, especially the accident that occurred at the Sungai Selangor Phase 3 water treatment plant (SSP3) in Ijok, has been criticised by Gabungan Prihatin Semenyih (GPS).

The non-governmental organisation’s secretary, Hamdan Abu, called on Azmin to issue a statement and launch an inquiry into the Tuesday incident, which left five people injured.

He said Azmin, who was also chairman and board member of Syarikat Bekalan Air Selangor (Syabas), should be more sensitive.

“The menteri besar has yet to issue any official statement or respond to the accident, which has triggered the public’s concern about water disruptions.

“How long will the latest interruption last? What is the state’s contingency plan to supply water to the people of Klang Valley?” he said yesterday.

On Tuesday, five workers from Syabas and other agencies were injured when the surge vessel system at the plant malfunctioned, triggering an explosion.

As a result, Syabas said there would be an extension to the expected recovery date for water supply to affected areas in Klang Valley. However, the company did not specify how long the period had been extended.

A total of 427 areas in Klang Valley began experiencing water supply disruptions in stages from Tuesday. Apart from Shah Alam and Klang, other affected areas are in Kuala Lumpur, Gombak, Petaling, Hulu Selangor and Kuala Langat. The water disruption was initially scheduled for three days.

Hamdan said it had previously suggested the establishment of a committee to monitor water management operations in Selangor.

“We do not want a recurrence of the incident at SSP3.”