Johor DOE probes Sungai Kim Kim after river turns white again, cable excavation suspected

The Johor Department of Environment (DOE) is currently investigating a second pollution incident at Sungai Kim Kim in Pasir Gudang, after the river turned white again on October 29. Johor DOE director Dr Mohd Famey Yusoff revealed that enforcement officers inspected the site around 6pm following a complaint, but they found that the water had returned to normal at that time.

Early investigations indicated the pollution could have been caused by a single waste discharge into the river. However, the DOE, in collaboration with the Pasir Gudang City Council (MBPG), will review closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage near the suspected dumping site to pinpoint the source of the pollution and those responsible.

Legal action will be taken against any party or individual found guilty of the waste dumping incident. The viral social media post included photographs of the river water turning white, reminiscent of the March 2019 chemical pollution incident that affected over 2,000 people and led to the closure of 111 schools in Pasir Gudang.

State Health and Environment Committee chairman Ling Tian Soon suggested that the pollution might have been caused by excavation work for cable installation, which was carried out about five metres deep, according to further DOE investigations. Ling emphasized that the state government takes all reports of environmental quality issues seriously and assured the public that relevant agencies would conduct appropriate monitoring and follow-up action.

The public is also encouraged to report any suspicious activities or signs of environmental pollution promptly for further investigation and appropriate action.