SHAH ALAM, 19 Aug: There is no critical pollution issues reported at Sungai Bernam so far, said the Exco for Tourism, Environment, Green technology and Consumer Affairs, Elizabeth Wong.
She said that her visit with the Selangor Water Management Authority (LUAS) and the Department of Environment recently also proved that there is no pollution.
She said that the water quality status is being monitored by the Perak Department of Environment and is in the second-class Clean category as of June.
“The pollution issue that happened such as the presence of oil at the water surface can be controlled with other agencies involving Selangor and Perak.
“LUAS is also planning to hold a workshop that discusses the governance of the Sungai Bernam Basin, including the issue of pollution in the river.
“It involves relevant agencies in Selangor and Perak as the basin is shared by the two states,” she said.
She said this when replying a verbal question from Budiman Mohd Zahdi (BN-Sungai Panjang) at the Selangor State Assembly (DNS) today.
At the same time, Elizabeth (PKR-Bukit Lanjan), said that the real cause of water pollution at the Sungai Buloh Jeram Basin has not been identified despite investigations that are being actively carried out.
She said that there are a variety of activities that could potentially contribute to the problem, including industry, oil palm plantations, aquaculture ponds and daily municipal waste.
“LUAS is working with the Putra University of Malaysia (UPM) Environment Forensic Centre to carry a detailed study to identify the cause of pollution in the area,” she said.
NS
