SPAN RAIDS FISHING POND FOR ILLEGAL WATER SUPPLY CONNECTION

KLANG, July 25 (Bernama) -- The National Water Services Commission (SPAN) raided a fishing pond at Jalan Bagan Hailam, North Port Klang today for suspected illegal use of treated water.

SPAN Communications and Consumer Affairs Unit director, Mohd Fazil Ismail said in the 10 am raid they discovered a 25-millimetre high-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipe connection that bypassed any meter and was made directly to Air Selangor’s main supply for the premises' use.

He said the illegal water connection had been in place for about a year, with total consumption amounting to 37,000 cubic metres.

bootstrap slideshow

“The investigation also revealed that the premises lacked a valid water supply account, resulting in a loss of approximately RM110,000 for Air Selangor.

“This irresponsible act also caused a drop in water pressure in the area, leading to complaints from local residents,” he said went met after the raid today.

Mohd Fazil said the case is being investigated under Sections 123(1) and 123(3) of the Water Services Industry Act 2006 (Act 655), which, if convicted, could result in a maximum fine of RM100,000, up to one year in prison, or both, if convicted.

bootstrap slideshow

He said while the investigation is ongoing, the water supply to the premises has been cut off and the parties involved must pay for the losses incurred by Air Selangor due to the illegal connection before their water supply can be restored.

Mohd Fazil added that from January to June this year, SPAN has identified 42 cases of illegal connections to treated water nationwide and 20 of these cases have been resolved.

-- BERNAMA