According to the Minister of Environment and Water Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man, the investigation by the authorities led to the discovery of an unlicensed premises at Jalan Velox 2 which carried out the illegal discharge.
"An unlicensed premises in Taman Velox, Rawang was found to have made an illegal discharge by draining pigmented waste suspected to be a scheduled waste (BT) in the IWK sewerage system through the toilet hole and inspection chambers in the premises.
"Preliminary findings found that the smell of the material found was the same as the smell at the IWK and LRA Sewage Treatment Plant. All samples were taken by the Department of Environment (DOE) and will be analysed by the Department of Chemistry Malaysia," he said in a statement today.
Following the discovery, four suspects, including the tenants of the premises, were detained by police for investigation under Section 430 of the Penal Code, while the premises was sealed by the Selayang Municipal Council (MPS).
"Scheduled waste management also needs to be given serious attention to comply with existing laws and guidelines.
"These wastes should be recycled or disposed off at premises licensed by the DOE only because scheduled wastes that have hazardous characteristics can pose a health risk to humans as well as water, air and soil pollution," he said.
Industries or any person is strictly prohibited from disposing off scheduled waste illegally, he added.
Tuan Ibrahim explained that the Ministry of Environment and Water (KASA) will take stern action against those who disobey and commit river water pollution.
He said, if convicted, the perpetrator could be fined RM100,000 or jailed for a maximum of 5 years, or both under Section 25 (Restrictions on Inland Water Pollution), Environmental Quality Act 1974.
Meanwhile, Section 34A of the same act provides for a fine of RM500,000 or a maximum jail term of five years or both and Section 34B (Prohibition on settlement, placement etc. of scheduled material) carries a mandatory jail term and a maximum fine of RM500,000.
The perpetrator can also be prosecuted under the Water Services Industry Act 2006 (Act 655) which provides for a fine not exceeding RM300,000 or imprisonment not exceeding three years, or both.
Yesterday, Pengurusan Air Selangor Sdn Bhd (Air Selangor) informed that the Rantau Panjang and Sungai Selangor Water Treatment Plant (LRA) Phases 1, 2 and 3 have been suspended, causing unscheduled water supply disruption involving 1,139,008 user accounts in the Klang Valley, following pollution of raw water resources in Sungai Selangor.
The supply disruption covered 1,279 areas in Kuala Lumpur, Petaling, Klang, Shah Alam, Kuala Selangor, Hulu Selangor, Gombak and Kuala Langat from 6 pm yesterday.
KASA secretary-general Datuk Seri Ir Dr Zaini Ujang was reported to have said that the pollution was believed to be caused by the Small and Medium Industry area in Taman Velox, Rawang.
