Luas conducts joint operation to address pollution in Sungai Kuang

KUALA LUMPUR: The Selangor Water Management Board (Luas) conducted a joint operation with state and national agencies in Matang Pagar, Sungai Buloh after Sungai Kuang’s stream was discovered to be polluted with foamy water on Monday (Sept 23).

Selangor state executive councillor for public health and environment, Jamaliah Jamaluddin, said the operation involved the Environment Department, the Selayang Municipal Council (MPS), the Gombak District and Land Office, the Fire and Rescue Department’s Hazardous Materials Unit, and the police.

“Ground checks and inspections by Luas and the agencies discovered 45 IBC tanks placed near a community hall in Matang Pagar, suspected to contain multi-purpose detergent and floor cleaner liquids,” said Jamaliah in a press release earlier on Thursday (Sept 26).

Upon detailed inspection, the authorities found several tanks had ruptured and their contents leaked, causing the spill into a nearby drain and eventually flowing into Sungai Kuang, which leads to Sungai Selangor.

The Environment Department carried out sampling at the site to identify the type of waste, with samples sent to the Chemistry Department for further analysis.

MPS will start site clean-up provided the materials are not classified as scheduled waste. If it is scheduled waste, the Environment Department will appoint a contractor for the clean-up.

Luas also conducted sampling at the location for further analysis by the Chemistry Department. Ten bags of activated carbon were placed at the affected water channel as a control and preventive measure.

Luas had also carried out odour sampling at the site, which recorded a reading of 0 tonne (threshold odour number). Close monitoring at the site has been initiated for a week starting on Thursday (Sept 26), to ensure the potential risk of pollution flow is prevented and controlled until DOE’s investigation results are received, and the clean-up is fully completed.