In a statement, SPAN said it was investigating the suspect under Section 121(1)(c) of the Water Industry Act for contaminating water sources.

Those convicted under the act could be jailed for a maximum of 10 years and fined not more than RM5,000.

On Wednesday, the environment department (DoE) confirmed that effluent from a leaking tank at a factory caused polymethacrylic acid waste to overflow into drains and ditches leading up to Sungai Kuang.

The water from Sungai Kuang entered Sungai Kundang, then into Sungai Sembah and subsequently into Sungai Selangor.

The odour pollution had resulted in the temporary shutdown of the Rantau Panjang, Sungai Selangor Phase 1, Sungai Selangor Phase 2 and Sungai Selangor Phase 3 water treatment plants, resulting in water cuts that affected over a million consumers.

Yesterday, SPAN chairman Charles Santiago called for the authorities to investigate those involved under Section 277 of the Penal Code for polluting a public water source as well as Section 121 of the Water Services Industry Act.

Meanwhile, SPAN said it would also be setting up a special committee to gather information, among others on water disruptions due to pollution and subsequently propose best practices.

It said that various government agencies and quarters would be roped in, including the environment department, local councils and water concessionaires.

“The committee will be set up immediately and would be given 45 days to complete its task.”