Ranhill SAJ says gazetting Sungai Johor as permanent water catchment will regulate development and prevent pollution affecting two million users.
JOHOR BAHRU: Gazetting Sungai Johor as a permanent water catchment area will regulate development and industrial activities while enabling more effective enforcement.
Ranhill SAJ chief executive officer Anuar Abdul Ghani said the state government’s stand is vital to safeguard water security for nearly two million users.
“This gazettement will not only help control development and industrial activities around the raw water catchment area, but also allow preventive and enforcement actions to be carried out more effectively by the authorities,” he said.
The measure would protect four water treatment plants relying on Sungai Johor: Linggiu, Semangar, Sungai Johor, and Tai Hong.
Anuar expressed deep concern about pollution threats that could disrupt plant operations and affect consumer water supply.
Pollution issues harm both the environment and public well-being while impacting the state’s economic growth.
Eight additional water treatment plants operate within the Sungai Muar basin: Panchor 1 to 4, Pagoh, Gombang, Gersik, and Bukit Serampang.
He emphasised that protecting water catchment areas must be a strategic priority for continuous water supply.
Anuar called for cooperation among the state government, enforcement agencies, local authorities, and communities.
“Water is the source of life. The responsibility to preserve it must be shared by all parties,” he said.
Ranhill SAJ remains committed to ensuring the state’s water resources stay clean, safe, and sustainable for future generations.
On October 31, pollution in Sungai Johor caused four treatment plants to cease operations after recording 37,400 NTU turbidity.
The normal turbidity level is 400 NTU.
The incident affected approximately 300,000 consumer accounts across Johor Bahru, Gelang Patah, Skudai, Kulai, and Kota Tinggi. – Bernama
