SEREMBAN – The preliminary analysis of samples taken from the location of the source of pollution in Sg Batang Benar, Nilai, found evidence of an organic compound known as dimethyl disulfide.
Negri Sembilan Health, Environment, Cooperatives and Consumerism Action Committee chairman S. Veerapan said the results, obtained last Saturday, was from the analysis of five soil samples taken in the bush area near an industrial area at Jalan Emas, which was the source of pollution.
He said dimethyl disulfide is an organic compound commonly used as an additive in the food industry and also as a catalyst in the petrochemical industry.
“The Negri Sembilan Department of Environment is still examining all the facts of the case before making a conclusion.”
He said this when asked on the investigation that was conducted to determine the cause of the pollution that resulted in the suspension of two water treatment plants in Sg Semenyih and Bukit Tampoi in Selangor.
On October 5, the Environment and Water Ministry said a bush area in Jalan Emas, near the Nilai industrial area was found to be the main pollution spot.
Following that, three men aged between 30s and 40s were arrested in Kota Baru, Kelantan for investigation under Section 430 of the Penal Code.
The pollution caused an unscheduled water supply disruption that affected 309,687 accounts in Petaling, Hulu Langat, Kuala Langat and Sepang. – Bernama, October 29, 2020
