Palm oil mill shut down after pump failure sends effluent into Johor’s Sungai Sembrong

KLUANG, Sept 17 — The Department of Environment (DoE) in Kluang has identified a palm oil mill as the source of pollution in Sungai Sembrong and ordered the facility to cease operations immediately. Following a detection of river pollution on Monday, an investigation and inspection revealed a pump malfunction at the mill's effluent treatment pond, resulting in an overflow of oil-contaminated effluent into Sungai Sembrong.

The mill was promptly ordered to halt its operations and undertake cleanup and repair works, with follow-up action on the suspension of its licence also underway. Reports of dead fish and prawns along stretches of Sungai Sembrong have been documented, threatening the livelihoods of nearby Orang Asli villagers. The DoE has emphasized the importance of strict compliance with the Environmental Quality Act 1974 and the department's licensing conditions for industries, particularly palm oil mill operators.

They warn that severe consequences, including licence suspension or revocation, will be imposed for any breach of the Act that causes environmental pollution or jeopardizes public health and access to drinking water.