KUALA LUMPUR: A special federal agency should be set up to closely monitor Malaysia's rivers as a way of protecting the water sources from industrial pollution.
In a statement today, Klang MP Charles Santiago said the time has come – amidst the water crisis in the Klang Valley – for the government to think and act differently on water pollution.
"We have had one too many water cuts from last year, and to impose a slap on the wrist punishment, and increasing fines on errant companies, are not a deterrent because of corruption.
"As such, the government must set up a National River Protection Authority with immediate effect," he said.
Charles stressed that the proposed authority must create a buffer of 300 to 400 metres between rivers and factories, where business activities are not permitted.
"Police and other enforcement authorities could… supervise the place(s) with the help of CCTV and other technologies," he added.
The former National Water Services Commission chairman said the government must also look at enacting laws that provide for severe punishment for companies that breach the buffer zone.
"By doing so, the state can protect the rivers from being abused by errant companies with a variety of pollutants, plastics, e-waste, chemicals, sewerage and rubbish, among others.
"(And) in the process, it saves billions."
Charles said rivers and the proposed buffer area must be considered national security zones – therefore the government must act fast.
On Thursday, Air Selangor suspended operations at its Sungai Selangor Water Treatment Plant Phase 1, 2, and 3 and the Rantau Panjang Water Treatment Plant due to industrial effluent pollution, affecting over 1.2 million water account holders in 1,292 areas in the Klang Valley.
Resuming at noon on Saturday, water supply is expected to be fully restored by 6am on Wednesday, Sept 9.