WATER supply to about 75,000 consumers of SAJ Ranhill Sdn Bhd in Johor has been cut off since Saturday morning (March 23), following the temporary closure of the water treatment plant in Simpang Renggam in Kluang.

The plant was closed because of ammonia pollution in Sg Benut.

Those affected are from Simpang Renggam, Ayer Hitam, Kulai and part of the Pontian district.

Simpang Renggam member of parliament and Education Minister Maszlee Malik said the pollution had worsened as the bund surrounding the CEP Renggam landfill in the vicinity broke, causing the leachate to be absorbed into the ground.

Scientists have said that leachate from landfills can contaminate and pollute the surface and groundwater.

“We believe there are irresponsible people taking the opportunity to release ammonia into this river. At the same time we are urging SAJ Ranhill to provide water through its tankers to consumers in the affected areas.

“We hope that action will be taken against the affected parties and the landfill in Ulu Sg  Benut is closed immediately,” he told reporters after visiting the treatment plant today.

State Environment Department director Mohammad Ezanni Mat Salleh, who visited the plant, said the authorities had carried out an investigation and had taken samples at the river to submit to the Chemistry Department for analysis.

The case is being investigated under Section 31 and Section 25 of the Environmental Quality Act 1974. – Bernama, March 26, 2019.