The commotion started when Elizabeth Wong (PKR-Bukit Lanjan) reacted angrily to a question from Yaakob Sapari (PKR-Kota Anggerik) over an additional question on what the state government should do to prevent a repeat of the pollution.

Wong, who is the state executive councillor for tourism, nature, green technology and consumerism, said Yaakob’s question had already been answered yesterday, during the winding up of proceedings.

“Kota Anggerik should have been in the house when I gave an explanation yesterday. Where was Kota Anggerik. He did not hear what we have done.

“We have already installed additional aluminium silicate filters at a cost of RM1.2 million. Be present if you want an answer, if not don’t submit the question.”

However, Wong’s response did not go down well with Yaakob and Dr Xavier Jayakumar (PKR-Seri Andalas), who said Wong should not get angry and should respond to Yaakob’s question nicely.

Wong then said Yaakob’s additional question had been answered repeatedly.

“We have already answered. The state government has already answered. This is not the way. When you raise issues during debates, be present for the winding up session. I answered for 45 minutes. We answered all questions.”

Wong urged elected representatives to pay attention and take notes when the state government answers questions.

Over the past month, the pollution of rivers in Selangor and Negri Sembilan led to several temporary closures of water treatment plants in Selangor, disrupting water supply to thousands of residential and commercial properties in the Klang Valley.

Earlier this week, Environment Minister Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar said investigation papers into the pollution of Sungai Semenyih were being prepared for possible prosecution.