Wan Latiff told the media the department now shouldered a broader scope of responsibilities, including the control of air and water pollution, management of toxic waste and monitoring the quality of river water.

All these required more enforcement officers.

He said the department had submitted a request to the natural resources, environment and climate change ministry for additional enforcement personnel.

Wan Latiff said the additional personnel can also help continue monitoring 60,000 factories and workshops which had the potential to cause air or water pollution.

He said 29 (or 4%) out of the 672 rivers in Malaysia were polluted. The main causes of pollution were livestock farms, industries, sewage treatment plants, and settlements of fishermen and squatters.

He said the department is also currently increasing the number of automatic stations to monitor river water quality, from the current 30, to reduce workload.

“We are also in discussions with state governments and water treatment plant operators for them to join us in installing these automatic stations.”

These stations aim to monitor river water quality and provide early warnings in case of pollution of rivers.