THE Negri Sembilan government is waiting for a detailed report from the state’s Department of Environment (DoE) on the river pollution in Batang Benar, Nilai.

State Health, Environment, Cooperatives and Consumerism Committee chairman S. Veerapan said apart from that, it is also waiting for a detailed report from the state Water Regulatory Body (BKSA).

“Based on an investigation conducted last night, state DoE director Azuri Azizah Saedon said the cause (of the pollution) is still unknown and, thus far, only based on assumptions.

“First, the pollution is likely from duck farms in Kuala Sg Pajam, which borders Negri Sembilan and Selangor, leachate from Pajam landfill and then from the Nilai 2 industrial area, possibly from a egg processing plant,” he said in a statement today.

He said with the investigation under way, stakeholders are in Batang Benar to discuss on the next steps.

Yesterday, Pengurusan Air Selangor Sdn Bhd (Air Selangor) had said in a statement that 309,687 account holders in Petaling, Hulu Langat, Kuala Langat and Sepang experienced unscheduled water supply disruptions after operations of two water treatment plants (LRAs) were suspended due to pollution.

The two LRAs are the Sg Semenyih and Bukit Tampoi plants.

Selangor Menteri Besar Amirudin Shari was yesterday quoted as saying that the source of pollution was detected in Sg Batang Benar, 30km from the Sg Semenyih LRA.

Meanwhile, in another development, Veerapan said the committee was also notified of an oil spill near SMK Gelam, Port Dickson, yesterday.

“Monitoring efforts have been implemented by various parties, including the Fire and Rescue Department and DoE, by blocking a drain to prevent the water from flowing into the sea.

“I am waiting for the report on this incident and further updates (will be given) from time to time,” he said. – Bernama, October 5, 2020.