Selangor Govt should get more serious with river pollution

The Selangor state government needs to be more serious on the problem of river pollution occurring in the state.

Kuala Selangor MP, Datuk Seri Irmohizam Ibrahim said rivers appeared to be dying due to pollution, coupled with the inefficiency of the state government in controlling the growth of illegal factories as well as the weak enforcement of laws.

He said even though there were sufficient legislation such as the Environmental Quality Act 1974 and the Water Services Industry Act 2006 they were of no use if the Selangor government was merely giving warnings.

Irmohizam said stern actions should be taken immediately so that pollution and disruption to water supply would not burden the people.

"Maybe the maximum fine of RM100,000 and five years jail is taken lightly by the offenders. So we suggest the government raise the maximum fine up to RM1 million and 10 years jail to get the attention of errant parties," he said in a statement.

On Tuesday, a premises in 22 1/4 Mile Jalan Sungai Lalang, Semenyih, was sealed by the state government after it had been identified as the culprit for polluting Sungai Semenyih.

The pollution forced the Semenyih Water Treatment Plant to be closed four times recently which resulted in water disruption to several areas such as Hulu Langat, Kuala Langat, Sepang and Petaling districts.

The Semenyih Water Treatment Plan resumed operation from 10am Wednesday. -- Bernama