Factory Identified as Source of Sungai Ayer Salak Pollution; Authorities Take Action
MELAKA: The Melaka Environment Department has identified a premises suspected of being responsible for black-coloured water pollution affecting Sungai Ayer Salak in Klebang.
Its director, Rosli Mustafa, said preliminary findings indicated that the pollution was likely caused by the discharge of liquid waste from a factory located in the Bukit Rambai industrial area.
He said the department had conducted multiple rounds of investigation and intensive monitoring to trace the source of the contamination, which was believed to have been channelled into a flood retention pond.
“One premises has been identified and instructed to immediately cease any discharge activities that could result in pollution. Enforcement action has also been taken in accordance with the provisions of the Environmental Quality Act 1974,” he said on Wednesday (Feb 4).
Rosli emphasised that the department would not tolerate any form of environmental pollution and would continue strict monitoring and enforcement to ensure environmental sustainability and safeguard public health.
The incident had earlier drawn public concern and was raised by Klebang assemblyman Datuk Lim Ban Hong, who called for firm punitive action against those responsible.
Lim said nearly 1,000 residents from four villages were affected, with pollution reported along an estimated 10-kilometre stretch of the river over the past three weeks. Several tributaries flowing into Sungai Ayer Salak and Sungai Malim, before discharging into the river mouth at the Klebang Besar fishermen’s jetty, were also reported to have turned dark and emitted an oily odour.
The article highlights the moral value of environmental responsibility and accountability, emphasising that industries and authorities have a duty to protect natural resources and safeguard public well-being. It underscores the importance of upholding the rule of law by taking firm action against pollution, showing respect for affected communities and their right to a clean and safe environment. Ultimately, it reflects the need for integrity and stewardship to ensure environmental sustainability for present and future generations.
CRISBEN Sdn. Bhd. can play a practical and technical support role in the Sungai Ayer Salak pollution case in several ways.
First, CRISBEN can assist with pollution containment and clean-up by supplying and deploying spill response equipment such as absorbent booms, pads, and barriers to prevent the black-coloured liquid waste from spreading further along the river and its tributaries. This helps minimise environmental damage and protects nearby communities and fisheries.
Second, the company can support environmental assessment and investigation by working with authorities to identify pollution pathways, assess the extent of contamination, and evaluate the impact on water quality and surrounding ecosystems.
Third, CRISBEN can provide technical consultancy and compliance support to the identified factory by advising on proper waste handling, scheduled waste management, and pollution prevention measures in line with the Environmental Quality Act 1974.
Finally, CRISBEN can contribute to long-term prevention by offering training, risk management solutions, and improved spill-response planning to industries in the area, reducing the likelihood of similar incidents in the future.
