GEORGE TOWN – Factories operating near water sources should be relocated, with a buffer zone set up around them.
The Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP) said failure to do so risks frequent water disruptions, as have occured several times in the Klang Valley this year.
Its chief executive, Datuk Jaseni Maidinsa, told Pengurusan Air Selangor Sdn Bhd that to prevent this recurring issue, factories should be relocated away from river reserves and catchment areas, as well as treatment plants.
“Factories should be relocated and only allowed to operate in dedicated factory zones, where their operations must be closely monitored.”
The disposal of factory waste must be approved and tracked at all times, he said.
This view is shared by Sahabat Alam Malaysia president Meenashki Raman, who said the frustration and anger of Selangor residents is understandable.
“Another unscheduled water cut can leave millions affected.”
She said the recent shutdowns were attributed to the illegal dumping of effluents into rivers in Selangor.
“The authorities are not able to get to the source of the problem – which is to prevent the illegal dumping of effluents and waste into our rivers.”
Despite the recent announcement by Environment and Water Minister Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man on establishing an Environmental Crimes Unit (ECU), nothing has been done.
The ECU is aimed at cooperating with police and the armed forces to monitor and conduct enforcement to protect the nation’s water resources.
The public needs to know if the ECU has been activated, what measures are being taken, and how federal authorities are working with the Selangor government to prevent illegal dumping from recurring, said Meenaskhi. – The Vibes, November 20, 2020
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