19 barrels of chemicals dumped at Sungai Langat reserve land 3 days ago - Exco

KAJANG: Nineteen barrels containing chemicals were found near Taman Reko here on Tuesday night, believed to have been dumped by irresponsible parties three days ago.

Selangor Exco for Tourism, Environment, Green Technology and Indigenous Affairs, Hee Loy Sian, said investigation at the scene found solvent chemicals and paint thinners.

"The investigation found 13 large barrels and six small barrels at the scene.

“Liquids and wastes in the large barrels emit the smell of solvents and the small barrels seem to contain paint thinners. These should be disposed of in designated areas.

"The location of this pollution is 13 kilometres from Sungai Langat Water Treatment Plant (LRA) and 24 kilometres from Langat LRA 2," he said in a press conference at the scene on Wednesday.

However, the inspection around the river area did not find any contamination of the waste chemicals.

"The distance between the dump site and Sungai Langat is only 10 meters. Monitoring in the lower part of Sungai Langat found no solvent odor and did not cause water supply disruption,” he said.

The authorities, Loy Sian added, will conduct a detailed investigation to locate the suspects who dumped the chemicals.

“Kajang Municipal Council (MPK) received complaints from the public, then they gave information to the Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM), National Water Services Commission (SPAN) and the Department of Environment (DOE).

"The incident is believed to have taken place at night, two or three days ago. We will investigate," he added.

Loy Sian said DOE will close the area for further investigation and disposal of the chemical waste.