Elizabeth Wong: Cause of water polution still unknown
PETALING JAYA: The Selangor State Government has yet to be told on the source of pollution that led to the shutting down of the Sungai Semenyih water treatment plant since Sept 22.
Selangor state executive councilor for Tourism, Environment, Green Technology and Consumer Affairs Elizabeth Wong (pix) said investigations were still in progress and the identification of pollution covers some 609km² in the Semenyih lower catchment area as well as the five major tributaries.
"However, partial test results of the raw water samples revealed no hazardous substance, such as sulphide, formaldehyde, selenium, anionic detergent, cyanide and mineral oil.
"More test are being conducted at the moment to ensure the safety of the treated water and to assist in the identification of the pollutant that caused smell in the raw water," she said in a statement.
Wong added the Air Selangor and Lembaga Urus Air Selangor (LUAS) river surveillance team together with Department of Environment will work round the clock until the source of pollution is identified.
The areas covered thus far include the industrial areas of Villaraya, Beranang, Hulu Semenyih, Sungai Purun and all the way to the borders of Negri Sembilan in Nilai.
At the same time, samplings are done every two hours with special focus at Sungai Buah, Sungai Beranang, Sungai Rinching, Sungai Purun and Sungai Semenyih.
Wong said the water treatment plant has commenced operation at 2.30pm on Saturday and water supply resumed in stages at all affected areas.
"We will take stern action against the culprits behind the contamination. We are not ruling out the possibility of sabotage," said Wong.
The Sungai Semenyih water treatment plant was forced to shut down due to contamination in the raw water with the first on Sept 22 at 5.30pm, Sept 23 at 1.30pm, and Sept 24 at 9.15am.
Over 337,450 accounts in Petaling, Hulu Langat, Kuala Langat and Sepang will continue to experience temporary water interruption and water tankers with relief water supply will continue to be dispatched to affected areas throughout this period.
Consumers can get latest updates and details of the affected areas via 'mySYABAS' smart phone application and www.syabas.com.my.