DOE detects STP blower valve fault at manufacturing factory amid Sitiawan river pollution probe

On September 3, the Department of Environment (DOE) collected industrial effluent samples from a manufacturing factory in connection with an investigation into alleged river pollution following the discovery of dead fish and crabs in Sungai Sitiawan. The samples were taken from the factory's final discharge point to compare with water samples from the river.

During an inspection, the DOE identified a malfunction involving a blower valve at the factory's Sewage Treatment Plant (STP). However, sewage effluent samples could not be collected due to a low flow rate of only 0.583 cubic meters per hour. The investigation was initiated after receiving reports of dead fish in the river at 9:57 am on August 30.

The DOE inspected three locations - Wak Dol Jetty, D’ Chalet accommodation, and Tanjung Uda River Resort - and found dead fish at various sites. In situ testing was conducted at all three locations, and water samples were collected for further analysis by the Chemistry Department Malaysia. The department will await the results before determining further action, which may include legal action.

The DOE also stated that it would continue monitoring the situation and conduct enforcement inspections on nearby premises that may be responsible for river pollution.