KUALA LUMPUR – The Selangor government must have alternative water sources to ensure a sizeable reserve in the event of unscheduled cuts, said manufacturers, following the latest disruption to hit the country’s most prosperous state.
Yesterday, Pengurusan Air Selangor Sdn Bhd announced that two treatment plants have been forced to close due to odour pollution detected in Sg Semenyih, resulting in dry taps for some 300,000 households in Petaling, Hulu Langat, Kuala Langat and Sepang.
The pollutants originated from Negri Sembilan, Selangor environment exco Hee Loy Sian was reported as saying.
SME Association of Malaysia president Datuk Michael Kang said supply cuts greatly impact small and medium enterprises, especially those in the manufacturing sector.
“Water is needed in the manufacturing sector, especially in food manufacturing. It is needed to maintain good hygiene,” he told The Vibes.
“The Selangor government should manage water supply well. They should resolve supply issues by looking for alternative water (sources) and keep that (supply) as reserve water (for use) in the event of a disruption.”
He urged the state administration to inject more resources into water management.
Jacob Lee Chor Kok, chairman of the Selangor and Kuala Lumpur chapter of the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers, said the group is assessing its members’ situation.
“What we know so far is, the areas affected by the disruption include Taman Perindustrian Puchong, Putra Permai, the Puchong hub and Sepang.”
The supply cut this time affects just a quarter of the 1.2 million households that went without water for up to five days early last month following pollution in Sg Gong, Rawang, caused by a factory servicing heavy machinery, he said.
“However, water disruption (at any degree) is not desirable as it hampers production.”
He commended the Selangor government’s swift response to water cuts.
“They are doing a very good job responding to the people’s needs compared with a few years ago.
“But, there is a need for more education on the ground, for those who do the polluting.
“The disruption was not caused by a burst pipe or Air Selangor facilities shutting down (due to a failing on the part of the company).
“The people are responsible for the environment.” – The Vibes, October 5, 2020
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