THOSE behind recurring water pollution cases in Selangor must be dealt with seriously and held to account, National Water Services Commission (SPAN) chairman Charles Santiago said. 

He said this was to curb the rising number of pollution cases over the past two years.

He said in cases where pollution was deliberately caused, legal action had to be taken to deal with the perpetrators.

“SPAN will call for investigations and we will take legal action against those involved,” he told The Malaysian Insight today. 

He said other pollution cases were due to poor maintenance of facilities. 

“We have to review the safety, security and standard operating procedures (SOP) with the relevant agencies. 

Earlier today, pollution at the Sg Semenyih water treatment plant had resulted in the shutdown of the plant and unscheduled water cuts in parts of the Klang Valley.

Air Selangor said no timeframe was given on when the plant would be operational again. 

Meanwhile, Lembaga Urus Air Selangor (Luas) said the plant was shut down today after a solvent-like odour was detected.

Santiago said Air Selangor is still investigating the incident. 

“The only thing it has established is that it was odour pollution. 

“At this moment, we are not able to pinpoint the culprits and will have to wait until investigations are concluded,” Santiago said, adding the pollution appeared to be a recurring problem. – December 21, 2019.