Most Selangorians faced water disruptions over the past weekend due to the irresponsible actions of one company. This factory caused an oil spillage which led to pollution of the water supply.
The owners of the factory have since been arrested and are awaiting further actions. In a tweet today, Selangor Chief Minister, Amirudin Shari announced that water has returned fully to the affected areas and that additional steps would be announced to make sure this incident does not repeat in the future.
However, previously, the minister had already met up with the Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah Alhaj, to discuss the issue and the Sultan expressed his displeasure that Selangorians had to go through this.
Here’s what the Sultan said to the Chief Minister on what should be done in order to avoid such problems happening in the future:
- He wants stricter enforcement action to be taken to ensure that houses, factories, and especially illegal factories near river banks to be demolished due to their potential of polluting the Selangor River.
- He disproves political intervention in the enforcement of issues related to the environment and river water pollution.
- He has long ordered a special committee set up by the Selangor State Government to monitor and ensure that river water is not contaminated with chemicals or rubbish which could affect the supply of water to water treatment plants.
- He wants stricter laws to be implemented immediately to the perpetrators who caused the river pollution. Heavier penalties should be imposed on those who pollute the environment, especially water resources. Those found guilty of the offence should be sentenced to mandatory imprisonment and to a maximum fine.
- He fears that if the water problem persisted, the people would revolt and could lead to tensions and in turn would affect social harmony.
What do you think about this statement by the Sultan of Selangor? Does this mean an end to the Selangor water problem? Let us know in the comments section!
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