Companies polluting the Johor River Basin face RM15 million fines and 15 years jail under Section 121 as 1.8 million residents affected
KOTA TINGGI: The government has directed relevant agencies to take decisive legal action against companies responsible for polluting the Johor River Basin.
Deputy Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir confirmed the National Water Services Commission will investigate under Section 121.
He stated the pollution disrupted water supply and forced the closure of several water treatment plants.
Four treatment plants experienced phased closures including Semangar, Linggiu, Tai Hong, and Sungai Johor facilities.
“Under Section 121, those found guilty can face a fine of up to RM15 million and up to 15 years in prison for polluting water sources that result in the closure of water treatment plants,” he told reporters after visiting the Sungai Johor water treatment plant.
The investigation is expected to be completed within one month before referral to the Attorney General’s Chambers for legal action.
Akmal Nasrullah confirmed the ministry secured commitments from all relevant agencies to implement preventive measures.
He noted 455,757 account holders representing nearly 1.8 million people were affected by last Friday’s pollution incident.
Fifty-four percent of account holders have had water supply restored with full recovery expected within 8 to 12 hours.
Three water treatment plants at Semangar, Sungai Johor, and Linggiu are now operating at full capacity.
The Tai Hong water treatment plant is expected to resume full operations by 1 pm today.
State Works Committee chairman Mohamad Fazli Mohamad Salleh confirmed a collapsed sand washing pond caused the pollution.
He explained land movement triggered the breach of the sixth sand washing pond owned by a local company.
The collapse resulted in unprecedented turbidity levels reaching 37,400 Nephelometric Turbidity Units in the Johor River Basin.
Normal turbidity levels typically measure around 400 Nephelometric Turbidity Units in the river system. – Bernama
