The temporary closure of the Rantau Panjang and Sungai Selangor Phases 1, 2, and 3 water treatment plants resulted in water supply disruption to 1,139,008 households in 1,279 areas in the Klang Valley from 6pm.

Selangor Criminal Investigation Department chief Fadzil Ahmat said police received a report on the incident from an enforcement officer of Selangor Water Management Authority (LUAS) at 3pm yesterday.

He said the case was being investigated under Section 430 of the Penal Code for committing mischief which can cause a diminution of water supply for agricultural purposes, for consumption of human beings or animals, or for carrying out any manufacturing activities.

“Preliminary investigations by LUAS found that the water in the plant was suspected to contain solvents up to the level of eight TON (threshold odour number). As a result, the water supply had to be stopped until the cleaning work was completed,” he told Bernama.

Meanwhile, the environment and water ministry has offered a reward of RM5,000 to anyone with information and evidence leading to the arrest of those responsible for the water pollution in Sungai Selangor.

Its minister, Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man, said all information could be channelled through email at [email protected] or the Environment Department hotline at 1-800-88-2727.

“The reward given is in line with the government’s continuous commitment to Budget 2021, which will provide special allocations to any (party) who can channel information on any misconduct and violations of the law, including the issue of river pollution.

“I view this matter very seriously because there have been seven incidents where water treatment plants in Selangor have had to shut down due to pollution this year,” he said in a statement.