Sungai Johor Pollution Affects 200,000 Consumer Accounts

JOHOR BAHRU, Nov 1 (Bernama) -- A total of 200,000 consumer accounts are experiencing unscheduled water supply disruptions following the pollution of Sungai Johor since yesterday.

Ranhill SAJ said the level of raw water pollution in the river is being closely monitored to ensure all water treatment plants (WTPs) can operate at optimal capacity.

According to the Johor water operator, the Linggiu WTP in Kota Tinggi has resumed full operations, while the Semangar WTP is expected to recover in stages today.

“Monitoring and recovery efforts have been carried out since the pollution was first detected yesterday. Field teams are also conducting inspections at the river intakes and sending alternative water supply to affected areas,” it said in a Facebook post.

The company said it remains committed to ensuring that residents in the affected areas continue to receive alternative water supply efficiently and according to schedule.

“For any enquiries regarding water tanker assistance, please contact our hotline at 1800-88-7474. We regret any inconvenience caused and greatly appreciate your patience,” said Ranhill SAJ.

Earlier, State Public Works, Transport, Infrastructure and Communication Committee chairman Mohamad Fazli Mohamad Salleh said the turbidity level of raw water in the Johor River Basin had recorded an extraordinary increase, reaching 37,400 Nephelometric Turbidity Units (NTU) compared to the normal level of around 400 NTU, following the rupture of a sand washing pond at an inland sand mining site in Kota Tinggi.

He said the incident was caused by soil movement that led to the collapse of the sixth sand washing pond owned by a local company, which subsequently polluted Sungai Johor.

Operations at several WTPs are affected, including Linggiu, Semangar, Sungai Johor, and PUB (Singapore), resulting in the temporary and unscheduled water supply disruptions in several areas, including Senai, Skudai, Seelong, Felda Linggiu, Petri Jaya, and Lima Kedai.

-- BERNAMA