THE Malaysian Human Rights Commission (Suhakam) has called for effective law enforcement and heavier penalties to stop water pollution.

In a statement today, it said there is a need to prevent a recurrence of the Sg Gong pollution this week that led to a massive water supply disruption in the Klang Valley.

“Fully aware that the Selangor government has taken action against the factory allegedly responsible for the pollution, Suhakam is concerned that the Water Services Industry Act 2006 and Environmental Quality Act 1974 are not being enforced effectively to protect public health and the environment.

“Recurring water contamination incidents indicate that the huge gaps in these laws have yet to be addressed,” it said, urging a review of the said laws.

The commission also called on businesses to be more responsible and ensure the right to clean water is protected.

The Sg Gong contamination forced the closure of four treatment plants on Thursday, resulting in a water cut affecting almost 1.2 million accounts.

Four brothers said to be running the factory behind the pollution have been remanded for six days to facilitate investigations. – Bernama, September 6, 2020.