Plans to build water reclamation plant to replace 158 sewage treatment plants in Pasir Gudang

The government plans to build a water reclamation plant (WRP) to replace the existing 158 sewage treatment plants (STP) in Pasir Gudang and Tebrau to produce clean water for industrial use in the area.

Energy, Green Technology and Water (KeTTHA) Ministry Secretary-General Datuk Seri Zaini Ujang said the matter would be discussed in the near future at a special meeting with the Iskandar Regional Development Authority (IRDA) to be chaired by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

He said the water treated in the WRP would be of good quality, clean and could be used for industrial purposes at these areas, adding that there were currently 158 STP plants in Pasir Gudang and Tebrau area which could accommodate waste water from 1.5 million residents.

"If the water can be treated again, we will be able to produce 260 million litres of clean water daily, which can be channelled to industries. By using the technology available today, we will be able to build a plant that can replace 158 existing plants," he said.

Zaini was speaking to reporters after attending a programme, ''Sungaiku Hartaku'' (My River, My Wealth) officiated by Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin at the Fisherman''s Jetty in Kampung Pasir Gudang Baru here today.

The ministry secretary-general said the proposed initial construction of the plant in Pasir Gudang was determined following rapid industrial growth in the region.

Mohamed Khaled said the state government had always supported any development planned by the federal government, particularly in developing the Iskandar Region.

"The state government has requested the federal government to focus on the development of the Pasir Gudang area because it is one of the areas contributing significantly to the national economy.

"The existing plants are too old and cannot process the sewage waste well and because of this, the state government welcomes any review and recommendations by the federal government to study and upgrade the plants in the Iskandar Region," he said.

Meanwhile, Mohamed Khaled said the state government had allocated RM1 million to upgrade the area around the Fisherman''s Jetty at Kampung Pasir Gudang Baru.

He said a special committee headed by IRDA had been set up for the upgrading work of the jetty, to rebuild fences in the village, beautify its entrance, build space for grilled fish and build pedestrian facilities.

- BERNAMA