Malaysia, Johor: DOE acting on river pollution complaints

The Star 11 Jul 19;

ISKANDAR PUTERI: Johor Department Of Environment (DOE) has received eight complaints of pollution in a river in Ulu Tiram since last year.

Johor local government, urban well-being and environmental committee chairman Tan Chen Choon said following complaints about Sungai Kopok, the department carried out inspections.

“Among complaints received include the change in the colour of the river water, which turned darker and emitted a stench.

“There were also claims of dead fishes in the river,” he said in reply to S. Gopalakrishnan ( PH – Tiram) at the Johor state assembly at Bangunan Sultan Ismail in Kota Iskandar here.

Tan said initial investigations by the department found that the pollution was due to the discharge of industrial effluents from palm oil, oleochemical, biodiesel, soap-based and food-based companies in the area.

“All the factories in the area have effluents treatment facilities but some are not careful in controlling the discharge of effluents.

“As a result of not being treated properly, the river is polluted,” he said, adding that the department was still carrying out investigations and enforcement measures will be taken.

“Action will be taken against those who violated the Environmental Quality Act 1974. This includes stop-work order, warning notices, compounds as well as legal action,” he said. – By VENESA DEVI