KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 9 — The Selangor government must act without fear or favour against those responsible for the frequent water disruptions that have affected over a million consumers.
Natural Resources and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar urged the state officials to act quickly.
“The mentri besar must prioritise the issue and ensure a reliable supply of water to consumers in the state," he said.
“Water is an issue of public interest and the constant disruptions are inexcusable. The population in the state is much higher now and disruptions will have adverse effects.”
His comments follow water contamination at Sungai Semenyih and Sungai Semantan.
Wan Junaidi said issues pertaining to water rights fell under the purview of state governments, with federal authorities having limited say.
“If we have jurisdiction, we would shut down or move illegal factories along the Semenyih River overnight,” he said.
“We need to move forward as a nation. River reserves and catchment areas should not be used as industrial zones, and environmental considerations need to be taken seriously.”
Wan Junaidi urged factories which complied with environmental regulations to report those which did not as they were giving the industry a bad name.
“There are some 260 factories along the Semenyih River. If one of them just violates regulations and dumps waste into it, the public will blame every one of them,” he said.
“Those complying with regulations must be responsible, come forward and report those who are contributing to the problem.”
