Indah Water Konsortium Sdn Bhd (IWK), allegedly responsible for the discharge of dark smelly effluents in Sungai Batu Ferringhi, will have to explain to the Penang executive council its plan to salvage the situation.

 

State Exco on local government and traffic management, Chow Kon Yeow ( left in photo ), said IWK officers will be summoned to attend this Friday's council meeting in Komtar.

 

He added that IWK had been identified as the main contributor to the problem which came to light in the media on Monday, sparking speculation that the discharge is contaminated with traces of the dangerous E. coli bacteria.

 

About 100 metres of the sea at Batu Ferringhi, a popular tourist spot, was tainted with a black and slimy discharge reportedly contaminated by sewage wastes, which probably also contains sediment from coastline erosion.

 

"We will stress the importance of resolving this problem immediately. We will obtain a commitment from them at the meeting," said Chow, at a press conference in Batu Ferringhi today.

 

Chow said IWK had acknowledged the problem at an emergency meeting held yesterday at 3pm by the Department of Environment (DOE), attended by its officials, as well as state exco members, and representatives from the Penang Municipal Council, State Health Department and State Drainage and Irrigation Department.

 

The meeting resulted in several recommendations proposed, including identifying the source of the problem and actions to be taken by various departments and agencies including IWK.

 

"IWK is aware of what they must do. The officer who attended the meeting probably couldn't give any commitment, and will bring the recommendations to a higher level," Chow, who is state DAP chief, said.

However, IWK has denied it was their mistake which caused the stinky discharge.

Its corporate communications chief Azzatullina Pawanchik had said in a statement that their pipes were in good working condition and suggested that the dark liquid-like matter could be due to solid waste disposal collection centres belonging to hotels, which line the scenic coastal area.

 

"They are still denying until today. But their denials will not allay the fears of the hoteliers, the government or the public. But the more they deny the more they have to shoulder the responsibility," asserted the Padang Kota assemblyperson.

 

Also at yesterday's meeting, Chow said IWK was aware its sewage treatment plant has been identified as source of the problem.

 

"Why did the meeting go ahead with proposed recommendations if that is not the problem?" Chow queried.

 

Full responsibility

Chow said If IWK does not comply with the recommendations, it have to bear full responsibility of what happened not for only its impact on the environment but also on Penang tourism, particularly at Batu Ferringhi.

 

Asked what action would the state take if IWK refuses to take heed of the recommendations, Chow said "let's not prejudge them”.

He added the hoteliers were very concerned about the matter and hoped the fears of the international community can be allayed.

 

"Such negative publicity is never good for the state. We want to send a positive signal that the issue has been addressed, and addressed quickly, to restore the confidence of the international community regarding our beaches."

 

Chow was also asked if there were any provision by law to compel IWK to take responsibility to clean up the river and beach.

 

"They have been running many corporate advertisements in appreciating people for paying their bills. They have spent millions on that and wouldn't want bad publicity.

 

"They should not allow this matter to prolong as it would tarnish their reputation and image. It’s better to address the problem speedily,” he reckoned.

 

While the hoteliers and MPPP are helping to monitor the situation, Chow said only the DOE, which is under the federal administration, can act on the culprit as the state cannot shut down sewage plants.

 

On the possibility of water samples collected by DOE containing E.coli, Chow said laboratory results would only be out on Monday and a decision would then be made depending on the outcome.