This comes after the 2024 auditor-general’s report found that effluents from these plants were among the main causes of water pollution.

SPAN said it previously appointed Indah Water Konsortium (IWK) to implement upgrading works at 636 sewage treatment plants nationwide to comply with the Environmental Quality (Sewage) Regulations 2009.

These works would cost RM142.8 million.

However, delays were recorded at 129 locations due to the Covid-19 outbreak, followed by the movement control order.

Obstacles in importing equipment from abroad, the rise in building and equipment costs, as well as the lack of manpower contributed to the delays post-pandemic, it said.

“SPAN and IWK have taken immediate action to handle the delays and expedite the works. Currently, 98.5% of upgrade works have been completed, with 609 locations fully completed and the remaining 27 expected to be completed in October.

“SPAN will continue to monitor these works to ensure the projects are finished according to schedule,” it said in a statement.