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

KLUANG, Sept 17 — A palm oil processing facility in Kluang has been ordered to cease operations following a discovery of oil-contaminated effluent leaking into Sungai Sembrong. The Department of Environment (DoE) issued the directive after conducting an investigation following initial reports of pollution in the river on Monday.

The issue was traced to a malfunction in the mill's effluent treatment pump, which led to an overflow of contaminated waste into the waterway. The DoE stated that the mill must halt production immediately and begin cleanup and repair efforts. Parallel actions are being taken to potentially suspend the company's operating license.

Indigenous communities living along the river have reported dead fish and prawns, with the pollution threatening their livelihoods. The environmental authority emphasized the importance of strict adherence to regulations under the Environmental Quality Act 1974, warning that severe consequences, including license revocation, would follow any violations causing environmental harm or compromising public health.