SEREMBAN:The preliminary analysis of samples taken from the location of the source of pollution in Sungai Batang Benar, Nilai, found that it was due to an organic compound known as Dimethyl Disulfide.

Negeri Sembilan Health, Environment, Cooperatives and Consumerism Action Committee chairman S. Veerapan said the result, obtained last Saturday (Oct 24), was from the analysis of five soil samples taken in the bush area near an industrial area at Jalan Emas, Nilai Industrial Area, which was the source of pollution in the river.

He said Dimethyl Disulfide is an organic compound that is commonly used as an additive in the food industry and also used as a catalyst in the petrochemical industry.

"Although information has been obtained from the investigation that was conducted,  the Negeri Sembilan Department of Environment (DOE) is still examining all the facts of the case before a conclusion can be made," he said when contacted by Bernama here. today.

He said this when asked on the investigation that was conducted to determine the cause of the pollution which resulted in the operation of two water treatment plants in Sungai Semenyih and Bukit Tampoi in Selangor to be suspended.

Last Oct 5, the Ministry of Environment and Water, in a statement, said that a bush area in Jalan Emas, near the Nilai Industrial Area was found to be the main location of the wastes that caused the pollution in Sungai Batang Benar.

Following that, three men in their 30s to 40s were arrested in Kota Bharu, Kelantan, for investigation under  Section 430 of the Penal Code.

The pollution caused unscheduled water supply disruption that affected a total of 309,687 subscribers in Petaling, Hulu Langat, Kuala Langat and Sepang.

-- BERNAMA