Indah Water denies its sewage plant caused Sungai Selangor pollution
Indah Water Konsortium (IWK) Sdn Bhd has denied claims that effluence from one of its sewage plants was responsible for the latest pollution of Sungai Selangor that led to water cuts for more than one million households in Klang Valley.
In a statement yesterday, its CEO Narendran Maniam linked the pollution to illegal waste dumping by irresponsible parties.
- UPDATED 9.12AM | Added seizure of premises believed to be responsible for odour pollution.
Indah Water Konsortium (IWK) Sdn Bhd has denied claims that effluence from one of its sewage plants was responsible for the latest pollution of Sungai Selangor that led to water cuts for more than one million households in Klang Valley.
In a statement yesterday, the wastewater and sanitation company's chief executive officer Narendran Maniam linked the pollution to illegal waste dumping by irresponsible parties.
“The release of final effluent had to be stopped since last Thursday after IWK detected some elements of illegal waste that was dumped into the sewerage system.
“The affected sewage treatment plant had to contain the flow for the past few days to avoid spillage into the waterways. If this was not executed promptly, the illegal element that came into our plant would have created further detriment to the environment.
“IWK also had to carry out further treatment by using enzymes to neutralise the process. Furthermore, during this period, we had to treat the incoming wastewater offsite,” he was quoted as saying by The Malaysian Insight.
“When we stopped releasing the effluent last week, our team immediately informed all relevant authorities about the illegal element which came into our plant," Narendran added.
Yesterday, Selangor executive councillor Hee Loy Sian alleged that the pollution originated from an IWK plant in Taman Velox, Rawang.
Hee, who heads the environment, green technology, science and technology and innovation and consumer affairs portfolio, said he suspected sabotage could have occurred in the incident.
Baseless accusations
According to IWK, a police report was made over the incident.
"We have lodged a police report about this matter and it is now being investigated by the authorities as to ascertain the actual cause of the pollution," Narendran said.
He urged all parties to stop making baseless accusations when the effort should be focused on apprehending the perpetrator.
Selangor Criminal Investigation Department chief Fadzil Ahmat told Bernama that the police have opened an investigation paper under Section 430 of Penal Code following a report lodged by the Selangor Water Management Authority (Luas) yesterday.
Section 430 of the Penal Code deals with mischief offence which can cause a diminution of water supply for agriculture purpose, for the consumption of human beings or animals, or for carrying out any manufacturing activities.
"Preliminary investigations by Luas found that the water in the plant was suspected to contain solvents up to the level of 8 TON (threshold odour number). As a result, the water supply had to be stopped until cleaning work was completed,” he said.
Air Selangor Sdn Bhd (Air Selangor) said that water supply would be restored later today.
Premises seized by Selayang Council
Meanwhile, the National Water Services Commission (Span) said a premises was found to have allegedly discharged effluence into the manhole which could have polluted the sewage plant in Taman Velox.
Span said this following a joint operation conducted by Gombak District Police Headquarters, Department of Environment, Luas and Gombak Land and District Office last night.
"Residue from the premises is found to produce the same odour from those detected in the water treatment plant and sewage plant," Span said on Facebook today.
"The premises was seized by Selayang Municipal Council," it added.
