KUALA LUMPUR: The National Water Services Commission (SPAN) has opened an investigation paper to probe the odour pollution that forced the shut down of the Sungai Semenyih water treatment plant nearly two weeks ago.
In a statement, SPAN said investigations had already begun, with help from the Selangor Water Management Authority, Department of Environment and police.
“Even though water was fully restored on Dec 26, the matter is not resolved until the suspect or the cause is brought to book.
“Investigation papers have been opened under Section 61 (1)(b) of the Water Services Industry Act 2006 (Act 655) under,” it said.
Section 61 (1)(b) of the act stipulates that anyone found discharging or allowing to discharge any noxious, volatile or inflammable substance into any public sewer or public sewage treatment works is liable to a fine not exceeding RM100,000 or a jail term of not more than one year, or both.
SPAN said the perpetrator could also be charged under Section 121 (1)(c) for contaminating the watercourse or the water supply system.
“The offender will also be required to compensate for the damage done to the operator if the act was found to be intentional, due to negligence or recklessness or to cause damage to any part of any public water supply system or public sewerage system under Section 122 of the Act.”
As a deterrent, SPAN said Indah Water Konsortium Sdn Bhd has sealed all manholes near the Bandar Bukit Mahkota sewage treatment plant in Bangi to prevent the illegal dumping of waste.
SPAN had urged all relevant agencies to take proactive steps by monitoring and taking action against suspicious activity, to ensure that rivers, the country’s main water sources, were protected from pollution.
“SPAN will not hesitate to take legal action against any organisation or individual that violates Act 655 enforced by SPAN,” it added.
The Sungai Semenyih water treatment plant was shut down on Dec 21 after irresponsible parties dumped illegal waste.
It left 1.5 million people in several districts without water supply.
The closure affected 366 areas with 328,957 consumer accounts in Petaling, Hulu Langat, Kuala Langat and Sepang.