Malaysia: AG report - Land encroachment polluted dams

The Star 28 Nov 17;

MELAKA: Raw water supply in Melaka dams, especially in the Durian Tunggal Dam in Alor Gajah and Jus Dam in Jasin, were found to have been polluted as a result of land encroachment activities.

The Auditor-General’s Report 2016 (Series 2) said there were 721 violations of raw water quality regulations reported at nine water treatment plants between 2014 and 2016.

Chemical fertiliser, sand mining, catfish farming and rubber and oil palm plantation activities were identified as the main contributors of the pollution.

“If those activities were left uncontrolled, the functions of raw water in catchment areas will be jeopardised, causing deterioration in the environment,” said the report, which was released yesterday.

The report proposed that the state Water Regulatory Body does a detailed study on the quantity, quality and alternative sources of raw water to ensure optimum and sufficient supply, and also carries out monitoring and enforcement activities in dam areas to prevent further pollution. — Bernama