DoE director-general Wan Abdul Latiff Wan Jaffar confirmed that effluent from a leaking tank at a factory caused polymethacrylic acid (PMAA) waste to overflow into drains and ditches up to Sungai Kuang, reported Bernama.

“The flow of Sungai Kuang entered Sungai Kundang, then into Sungai Sembah, and subsequently into Sungai Selangor. The chemical leak resulted in the release of a strong, pungent odour characteristic of PMAA,” he said in a statement.

Wan Abdul Latiff said the factory involved had been ordered to immediately carry out cleaning works within its premises, the drainage areas and affected tributaries.

“These works were completed yesterday afternoon by a contractor licensed by the department.

“Three samples of evidence were also collected and have been submitted to the chemistry department for composition and matching tests,” he said.

The factory’s operational area, along with the process equipment, has been sealed by the DoE through the issuance of an equipment seizure notice under Section 38(1)(a) of the Environmental Quality Act 1974, until the investigation is completed.

Wan Abdul Latiff said the case is being investigated under Section 25 of the Environmental Quality Act for river pollution, punishable with mandatory imprisonment of up to five years and a fine of up to RM10 million, if convicted.

Yesterday, Bernama quoted state public health and environment committee chairman Jamaliah Jamaluddin as saying that the Selangor Water Management Board (Luas) has opened an investigation paper under Section 79(1) of the Luas Enactment 1999 over the incident.

She also said that the parties involved may face enforcement action from the DoE and the Selayang Municipal Council.

The temporary shutdown of the four water treatment plants resulted in unscheduled water cuts in seven areas – Petaling, Klang, Shah Alam, Gombak, Kuala Lumpur, Hulu Selangor and Kuala Selangor – since yesterday.

Air Selangor said that as at 6pm today, recovery of water supply to the affected areas has reached 46.9%.