PETALING JAYA, Oct 7 — Four factories operating near Sungai Semenyih had their business operating licences revoked as enforcement officers scoured the riverine to identify the source of contamination which led to the recent shutdown of the water treatment plant about 30km downstream.
In a joint operation, which saw the participation of the Kajang Municipal Council, Selangor Water Management Board (LUAS), officers issued stop-work orders to these premises and continued to identify other business premises possibly responsible for contaminating Sungai Semenyih.
“The council authorities have revoked four business licences with immediate effort to prevent any further contamination along the Semenyih river,” a LUAS spokesperson said.
“Some 45 other factories in the vicinity of Sungai Lalang, a tributary, have come under close watch as the authorities continue their efforts to trace the potential source of contamination along Sungai Semenyih.
“They will continue with their 24-hour surveillance along Jalan Sungai Lalang and its immediate area to trace any other possible cause of the pollution.”
Recently, more than a million consumers had no supply of water after contamination was detected along the river resulting in the shutdown of the treatment plant.
“Our observation will remain in the area and water sampling will also be done every hour.”
Besides the observation, authorities were also carrying out clean-up works along the river to remove residue and debris.
“There is no definite timeline on these actions and we will continue to do so until we are satisfied.”
Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the Kajang Municipal Council confirmed operations along Jalan Sungai Lalang, specifically those along the Sungai Semenyih to find out the exact number of factories, was underway.
Teams have been mobilised to conduct thorough checks within the area, with emphasis on those premises located near the river.
“This is to find out how many factories are operating in the area,” the council spokesperson said.
This latest development comes about after council enforcement officers raided an illegal motor oil recycling plant in Jalan Sungai Lalang, Semenyih, after it was found to have contaminated Sungai Semenyih.
It is believed the factory operating illegally may have discharged sludge into the river, which caused high levels of odour pollution in Sungai Semenyih.
Syarikat Bekalan Air Selangor (Syabas) was forced to close down the Semenyih Water Treatment Plant four times since September 22, leaving 1.8 million residents within the Klang Valley without water.
