KUALA LUMPUR: The Department of Environment (DoE) has detained two individuals to assist in the probe into the odour pollution in Sungai Kundang and Sungai Sembah that led to water disruption in more than 1,000 areas in Selangor.

DoE director-general Datuk Wan Abdul Latiff Wan Jaffar said the suspects were being investigated under Section 25 of the Environmental Quality Act 1974 for river pollution.

It carries up to five years' jail and a fine of up to RM10 million if convicted.

He said the source of the odour pollution was a poly metha acrylic acid (PMAA) leak from a storage tank. The chemical has a pungent smell.

"The spill flowed into the premises' drain, then into the main road's drain and finally into Sungai Kuang.

"Sungai Kuang flows into Sungai Kundang, then into Sungai Sembah and Sungai Selangor."

He said the DoE had issued an order to the operator of the premises to clean the premises and the affected drains and tributaries.

"This was completed yesterday afternoon by a contractor licensed by the department."

He said three samples of evidence had been taken and submitted to the Chemistry Department for composition determination and matching tests.

"DoE has sealed the premises' operating area and equipment with an Equipment Operation Seizure Notice under Section 38(1)(a) of the Environmental Quality Act 1974 until the investigation is completed."

Earlier today, Pengurusan Air Selangor Sdn Bhd (Air Selangor) said all four water treatment plants that were temporarily halted due to the odour pollution had resumed operations.

The water disruption affected more than 1,000 areas in Petaling, Klang, Shah Alam, Gombak, Kuala Lumpur, Hulu Selangor and Kuala Selangor.

https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2024/07/1081076/doe-arrests-two-over-odour-pollution-sungai-kundang-sungai-sembah