NABILA AHMAD The Star 5 Sep 16;
JOHOR BARU: Several rivers including Sungai Skudai, Sungai Sayong in Kulai, Sungai Tebrau and Sungai Pandan have been found to have high levels of chemical waste.
Skudai assemblyman Dr Boo Cheng Hau said there were high levels of ammonia, phosphorus, nitrate, iron and other substances in the rivers,
He said a water sample from Sg Skudai showed that it contains high levels of ammonia (3.11mg/ l) with water quality at class III under the National Water Quality Standards (NWQS).
He said a water sample from Sungai Sayong also showed the river was polluted and contains dangerous chemicals.
“Despite the plan introduced by the state government to clean Sungai Skudai, the water is still contaminated with industrial and farming waste as well as rubbish,” he said.
Dr Boo added he had submitted a letter to the Johor Mentri Besar’s office suggesting ways to resolve this issue.
“The quality of water in the rivers should be at Class IIA.
“I hope action would be taken against those responsible,” he said in a press conference at Southern Chinese Press Club.
When contacted, Johor Health and Environment Committee chairman, Datuk Ayub Rahmat said that the state government had already issued warnings to factory operators.
“Keeping the river clean is something everyone should be responsible for,” he said.
