Latest news with #SelangorWaterManagementAuthority
New Straits Times
20-05-2025
- General
- New Straits Times
Illegal cattle farm near Sungai Langat under probe over pollution complaints
HULU LANGAT: The Selangor Water Management Authority (Luas) has launched an investigation into an illegal cattle-rearing operation in Kampung Sungai Long, following complaints of pollution from local residents. In a statement posted on Facebook, Luas confirmed the presence of livestock activity but found no effluent discharge due to a "closed-circuit" system where wastewater is recycled into ponds. Luas said the farm, located on government reserve land near Sungai Langat, was inspected on March 20. "Observations at the nearby Sungai Langat showed the river remains in good condition, with no detectable impact on water quality," Luas said. Despite the findings, Luas has opened an investigation paper under Section 43(1) and Section 107(b) of the Luas Enactment 1999, for altering a water source and using water without written permission. A follow-up inspection and sampling were conducted on April 16 in areas suspected of experiencing runoff during rainfall. Samples have been sent to the Chemistry Department for further analysis. Luas said the case would be referred to the deputy public prosecutor for a recommendation on compounding. The issue has also been escalated to the Kajang Municipal Council (MPKj), the District and Land Office, and the Selangor Veterinary Services Department. "The Selangor state government, Luas and all related enforcement agencies will not compromise and will take firm action against any activity that causes problems or pollutes water sources," the agency said. Previously, a Malay daily reported that residents had called on the state government to resolve a long-standing pollution issue allegedly caused by an illegal cattle farm operating on government reserve land since 2018. The farm, located just 200 metres from the housing area, has allegedly created unbearable living conditions due to odour from unmanaged cow waste and a persistent fly infestation.
New Straits Times
14-05-2025
- New Straits Times
Amirudin: Selangor plans RM1mil fine, jail term for polluters
KUALA LUMPUR: The Selangor Water Management Authority (LUAS) Enactment will be strengthened to ensure environmental polluters can be punished, including fines of up to RM1 million and mandatory imprisonment of up to three years. Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari said this includes adding provisions that empower state enforcement authorities to conduct thorough investigations, including prosecution. He said that although the sources of pollution were often identified, weaknesses in evidence gathering had resulted in many offenders escaping legal action. "For example, odour pollution takes between 18 and 24 hours to reach the Selangor dam. If something happens in Batang Kali, it takes about 15 to 16 hours to get here, and the evidence is gone by then. That is one of the challenges we face. "Sometimes we detect pollution, but cannot trace the source because it has already stopped – the culprit may have been 'responsible' enough to shut it down. "So, while we manage to contain the issue, unfortunately, we are unable to catch or prosecute the offender," he said when met by reporters after the handover ceremony of the Raw Water Guarantee Scheme (SJAM) Package A and C project yesterday. He also said very few polluters have been prosecuted under the amended LUAS Enactment, as the prosecution process falls under the Attorney-General's Chambers. "Some cases have been prosecuted under the Environmental Quality Act or other existing laws in the country. Investigations were conducted, and the public prosecutor carried out prosecution. "The public prosecutor has their discretion on which laws or regulations to apply, whether to use the Act or the Enactment. So far, no charges have been brought under the LUAS Enactment." Amirudin added that a comprehensive water master plan is being developed to address all issues related to water supply in Selangor. He said the plan would serve as a guideline for managing drought and excess rainfall. "The plan is expected to be completed within a year and will cover aspects such as water storage, locations of retention ponds, and long-term flood control systems, with over 100 ponds identified across the state."
Free Malaysia Today
03-05-2025
- Politics
- Free Malaysia Today
New raw water management board with ‘bite' for Penang
Chief minister Chow Kon Yeow officiating the state-level World Water Day event at the Air Itam dam today. (Bernama pic) GEORGE TOWN : The Penang government will table a water-related bill to strengthen the management of its raw water resources, says chief minister Chow Kon Yeow. He said the bill, which will be tabled at the state assembly meeting later this month, will pave the way for the establishment of a dedicated raw water management board with enforcement powers. The board will also have the authority to issue permits and licences, approve extractions, and prosecute violations, among others. 'Currently, we have the water regulatory board parked under the state secretary's office which is responsible for raw water issues. 'The time has come for Penang to enact a law and set up a raw water management board that functions to serve as the main authority on raw water source issues,' he told reporters after officiating the state-level World Water Day event at the Air Itam dam today. Chow said that with better oversight, the state hopes to cut the average daily water consumption from 308 litres per person to the national benchmark of 250 litres. 'Even in Singapore, they use 150 litres. That means we are using twice as much water compared with Singapore,' he said. Chow said other states already have water management boards in place, so Penang is catching up with proper legal backing. For example, Luas, or the Selangor Water Management Authority, was established following a Cabinet directive in 1997 and formalised by the Selangor Water Management Board Enactment 1999.
