THE government must place rivers and water catchment areas under the purview of the National Security Council (NSC) to prevent pollution in the future.
Speaking to FocusM, Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (Fomca) stated the public had been facing water supply disruptions way too often and stricter measures were needed to curb water pollution.
“Enough is enough. This has been going on way too many times,” its chief executive officer Paul Selvaraj exclaimed.
Yesterday, Pengurusan Air Selangor Sdn Bhd (Air Selangor) announced an unscheduled water cut affecting millions in the Klang Valley.
The decision was made after Air Selangor found contamination in Sungai Selangor at 2am yesterday, which forced a stop-work order being issued on Phase 1, 2, 3 and Rantau Panjang water treatment plants.
Astro Awani reported Environment and Water Minister Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man as saying that the pollution was caused by some irresponsible quarters dumping pollutants in the river, in the wee hours of the morning.
Irate with the matter, former chairman of the National Water Services Commission (SPAN) Charles Santiago called for the government to set up the National River Protection Agency to stop errant companies from dumping their waste into the rivers.
Heavier punishment needed
Echoing Santiago’s sentiments, Selvaraj opined that rivers and water catchment areas should be protected under national security laws.
“We need tough measures to deal with these irresponsible people polluting our rivers. Heavier fines and jail time are definitely needed.
“These people must know that there will be severe consequences if they break the law,” he remarked.
Selvaraj also urged the government to compensate consumers due to the difficulties they were facing following the constant water supply disruptions.
“Offering rebates to consumers’ water bills is one way. With this, the government will also be compelled to take river pollution matters more seriously,” he said.
Selvaraj added the government should also engage stakeholders, such as non-governmental organisations (NGO) and community leaders, to keep an eye on Malaysian rivers.
“This will allow them to help the authorities to keep a lookout on our rivers.” – Oct 20, 2020
