Source of pollution identified
Story and Pix by Chan Lilian
THE alleged perpetrators behind the pollution at Sungai Batu Feringghi have been identified after the Department of Environment (DOE), Penang, completed its investigation papers on Indah Water Konsortium (IWK) following the incident.
Exco member for Local Government, Traffic Management and Flood Mitigation Chow Kon Yeow told the press on March 3 at Komtar: “Penang DOE briefed the Exco in a meeting on Feb 28 and said it had identified the source of the pollution.
“These include six food premises, IWK sewage treatment plant, laundry service and car wash centre.”
DOE Penang prepared the investigation papers based on the Environmental Quality Regulations (Sewage) 2009 and will submit it to its Legal Department at the federal government level.
The DOE is under the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry which is headed by Datuk Seri G. Palanivel.
“Further action will depend on the legal department,” Chow added.
In the said briefing, DOE Penang also pointed out that some of the sources of pollution are not under its jurisdiction and they hope the other agencies concerned will take the necessary action,” Chow said.
Chow added that the River and Marine Pollution Taskforce (RMPT) are currently doing the mapping of the sources of pollution, locations of any illegal structures and nature of the source of pollutants.
“The RMPT will table its report in the coming exco meeting. A statewide action plan will then be drawn up. The respective agencies, whether the local council or district office, will take action accordingly,” he said.
Besides this, Chow said Urban Wellbeing, Housing and Local Government Ministry had also asked the local councils and other relevant agencies to attend a meeting in Putrajaya on March 6 on coordination of the operations on sewerage system and pollution incidences in Batu Feringghi Beach. (Original Malay description is – Mesyuarat Penyelerasan status pengoperisian sistem pembetungan dan kejadian pencemaran di Pantai Batu Feringghi)
Finally, Chow hoped all parties will work towards a win-win solution to prevent pollution to rivers and seas.
“I hope there is no interference from politicians, no excuses from the agencies, fair reporting by the media and no unnecessary protests. We want a win-win solution for the people.”