Johor bahru: The company associated with pollution in Sungai Johor could face legal action if the Department of Environment (DOE) finds breaches under the Environmental Quality Act 1974 (Act 127).
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the DOE announced after a meeting with the Land and Mines Office (PTG) and the National Water Services Commission (SPAN) that it plans to initiate legal proceedings under the relevant PTG (Licensing) Enactment and the SPAN Act. The DOE has issued a Field Citation to the company, requesting a detailed report on corrective actions for the breached silt pond embankment that contributed to the pollution.
The DOE has instructed the company to ensure continuous monitoring of all operational silt ponds to prevent further pollution incidents. The department stressed ongoing investigations and potential prosecution if any violations of the Environmental Quality Act 1974 are discovered.
The DOE clarified that the sand extraction activity did not require an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) since the affected area was below the 20-hectare threshold. The department will verify that no additional pollutants enter nearby river systems once repairs are complete.
The statement from DOE emphasized that parties responsible for environmental pollution might face strict enforcement. Operators in mining and industrial sectors must implement pollution control measures, particularly during the rainy season.
Johor Public Works, Transport, Infrastructure, and Communication Committee chairman Mohamad Fazli Mohamad Salleh reported a significant increase in the turbidity level of raw water in the Sungai Johor Basin to 37,400 Nephelometric Turbidity Units (NTU), compared to the usual 400 NTU. This spike resulted from soil movement causing the collapse of a sand washing pond at an inland sand mining site in Kota Tinggi.
The incident disrupted water supply to 455,499 consumer accounts, leaving 211,257 accounts still affected, including those in Johor Bahru, Kulai, and Kota Tinggi. To mitigate the issue, water release from the Linggiu Dam has been increased, and alternative water is being delivered to affected areas via tanker.