WATER supply has been restored to 51.6% of Selangor areas hit by a disruption on Thursday morning, said Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man.

In a statement today, the environment and water minister said the National Water Services Commission (Span) has directed Pengurusan Air Selangor Sdn Bhd to inform consumers on the restoration schedule.

“The matter involves filling up all the main tanks to ensure sufficient water pressure, and ensuring there is no air lock in the piping system.”

He said he has also ordered Span to contact state water operators, including Syarikat Air Negri Sembilan Sdn Bhd, Syarikat Air Melaka Bhd, Syarikat Air Darul Aman Sdn Bhd and Syarikat Ranhill SAJ Sdn Bhd, and seek continued assistance in the distribution of supply to affected consumers in the Klang Valley.

He said Air Selangor has activated 114 water tankers, including nine from state operators, 22 public stands and 70 static tanks, and distributed 5l bottles of drinking water.

Tuan Ibrahim said the suspects behind the pollution of Sg Gong in Rawang that led to the massive water cut will be charged under the Environmental Quality Act 1974 and Water Services Industry Act 2006 next week.

“Enforcement involving various agencies, such as Span, the Environment Department, Lembaga Urus Air Selangor and local authorities, is ongoing.

“I want to stress that the ministry will not compromise on enforcing the law.”

It was reported that police have arrested and obtained a six-day remand against four brothers said to be running the factory behind the river pollution.

Span chairman Wan Hassan Mohd Ramli, in a statement, said the investigation paper on the incident is expected to be completed soon, and handed over to prosecutors within a week.

“Span will take action against those who polluted Sg Gong. We’re considering the use of Section 121 of the Water Services Industry Act, which provides for a fine of up to RM500,000, or a maximum 10 years’ imprisonment, or whipping, or all three, upon conviction.” – Bernama, September 5, 2020.