Latest news with #MohdTaufikSalleh
The Star
2 days ago
- Health
- The Star
Responsible waste disposal
LAST month, a pink discharge was detected in the sewerage system following an underground blast near a sewer line operated by the national sewage company, Indah Water Konsortium (IWK) Sdn Bhd, in Bukit Minyak, Bukit Mertajam. Investigations by IWK revealed that a toxic gaseous substance had entered the sewer network, indicating illegal chemical dumping. Improper disposal of toxic waste — such as pouring chemicals into drains or flushing hazardous materials down the toilet — not only damages the sewerage system but also endangers public health and the environment. Toxic, pink-coloured gas discovered in the sewer system. These incidents are far from isolated, as similar cases have occurred in the past. In November 2020, illegal discharge of wastewater into the sewage treatment plant was reported in Taman Velox, Rawang. Immediate actions were taken to enhance the biological treatment process, including removal of contaminants, diversion of polluted wastewater into isolated tanks and 24-hour plant monitoring. The environmental consequences would have been severe had these harmful chemicals bypassed the treatment process entirely – threatening ecosystems, water sources and public health. In late 2019, IWK conducted clean-up operations after glycerine waste was illegally dumped into a public sewer manhole in the Kamunting Industrial Area, Bukit Sentosa. IWK personnel found the manhole cover vandalised and sewage overflowing onto Jalan Kamunting 2B. Immediate intervention works were carried out to contain the situation and prevent contamination of nearby water sources. Media reports at the time believed that the illegal dumping of glycerine waste polluted the main drainage near Masjid As-Salam, Bukit Sentosa, Rawang. IWK's sewage treatment plants are designed to treat only domestic wastewater. Illegal dumping can have costly repairs, cause operational disruptions and potential environmental damage. 'These illegal discharges not only disrupt the treatment process but also place a significant financial burden on the company. 'On average, we spend up to RM500,000 depending on severity to rectify any incident,' said IWK chief operating officer Mohd Taufik Salleh. 'This is money that could be better invested in improving infrastructure, expanding service coverage, and driving innovations that better serve our communities and protect the environment,' he added. Discharging waste into manholes is a serious offence under Section 122 of the Water Services Industry Act 2006 (Act 655), which expressly prohibits the disposal of any substance into manholes. Offenders now face significantly increased penalties – fines of up to RM1mil and/or imprisonment for up to 10 years. Likewise, the discharge of prohibited effluent or noxious substances into public sewers or sewage treatment facilities constitutes an offence under Section 61. Upon conviction, offenders may be fined up to RM100,000, imprisoned for a term not exceeding one year, or both. Disposal habits matter But these risks aren't limited to industrial waste. Everyday habits contribute too. Whether at home or in business, using proper disposal methods can make a meaningful difference. IWK encourages all customers to dispose of waste properly, as seemingly harmless items like wet wipes, diapers, sanitary pads – even clothing – can clog sewer pipelines, leading to serious blockages. These obstructions can damage pipelines, cause sewer overflows, flood streets and rivers, and disrupt entire communities. Proper waste disposal is also crucial to keep our sewerage network functioning efficiently. When waste is managed correctly, it travels safely through the sewerage system to IWK's treatment plants, where it undergoes regulated, thorough treatment before being safely discharged back into waterways. This process protects public health, preserves the environment and ensures a sustainable future for generations to come. IWK remains committed to managing Malaysia's sewerage system, but everyone plays a vital role in safeguarding our environment and ensuring the smooth operation of our nation's sewerage infrastructure with responsible waste habits.
The Sun
05-05-2025
- Health
- The Sun
IWK Cares celebrates brave young hearts
AT Indah Water Konsortium (IWK) Sdn Bhd, the act of giving goes beyond environmental responsibility — it extends to serving the community and the people we engage with every day. Through our flagship Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme, IWK Cares, we focus on creating long-lasting, meaningful initiatives that uplift those who need them most. During this festive season, we believe that everyone deserves to experience the joy and cheer of Hari Raya. In light of this, IWK Cares has initiated two meaningful initiatives in collaboration with Hospital Tunku Azizah (HTA) and the National Cancer Society Malaysia (NCSM), aimed at bringing smiles to those facing health challenges. As part of our community outreach, the IWK Cares team made a heartfelt visit to the paediatric ward of HTA on April 22, 2025, sharing the spirit of the season with young patients undergoing treatment. A total of 100 children received specially prepared goodie bags containing milk, biscuits, stalked dates, a healthcare kit, and colour pencils — all thoughtfully selected to prioritise their well-being while adding a spark of joy to their daily activities. IWK's chief operations officer (COO), Ir. Mohd Taufik Salleh and IWK's head of corporate communications, Wan Esuriyanti Wan Ahmad were also present to personally hand over the goodie bags and duit Raya to the children, sharing in the joy and celebration. Continuing the festive spirit, and in collaboration with NCSM, hosted an uplifting Hi-Tea session for cancer survivors and their devoted caregivers at IWK Eco Park @ Pantai Dalam on April 25, 2025. The event aimed to celebrate their strength and resilience, extend support to those still on their health journey, and honour the invaluable role of caregivers. Taufik, and chief corporate officer (CCO), Azuan Ahmad Zahdi, along with the management team, were present to share the celebration and personally distribute goodie bags and duit Raya to 30 children from B40 families affected by cancer. 'At IWK, we are not just committed to the preservation of the environment, but also to the community. 'We are grateful for the opportunity to share a little happiness with these children, survivors, and their families this Raya. Our hope is that these small gestures of kindness remind them that they are not alone on their journey. 'Through IWK Cares, we strive to create a positive impact beyond our core operations by fostering care and connection within the community we serve. 'We are honoured to share this festive season with those who continue to inspire us with their strength and resilience,' said Taufik.
The Sun
05-05-2025
- Health
- The Sun
Sharing joy during Syawal: IWK Cares celebrates brave young hearts
AT Indah Water Konsortium (IWK) Sdn Bhd, the act of giving goes beyond environmental responsibility — it extends to serving the community and the people we engage with every day. Through our flagship Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme, IWK Cares, we focus on creating long-lasting, meaningful initiatives that uplift those who need them most. During this festive season, we believe that everyone deserves to experience the joy and cheer of Hari Raya. In light of this, IWK Cares has initiated two meaningful initiatives in collaboration with Hospital Tunku Azizah (HTA) and the National Cancer Society Malaysia (NCSM), aimed at bringing smiles to those facing health challenges. As part of our community outreach, the IWK Cares team made a heartfelt visit to the paediatric ward of HTA on April 22, 2025, sharing the spirit of the season with young patients undergoing treatment. A total of 100 children received specially prepared goodie bags containing milk, biscuits, stalked dates, a healthcare kit, and colour pencils — all thoughtfully selected to prioritise their well-being while adding a spark of joy to their daily activities. IWK's chief operations officer (COO), Ir. Mohd Taufik Salleh and IWK's head of corporate communications, Wan Esuriyanti Wan Ahmad were also present to personally hand over the goodie bags and duit Raya to the children, sharing in the joy and celebration. Continuing the festive spirit, and in collaboration with NCSM, hosted an uplifting Hi-Tea session for cancer survivors and their devoted caregivers at IWK Eco Park @ Pantai Dalam on April 25, 2025. The event aimed to celebrate their strength and resilience, extend support to those still on their health journey, and honour the invaluable role of caregivers. IWK's Chief Operating Officer, Ir. Mohd Taufik Salleh (white shirt) and Head of Corporate Communications Department IWK, Wan Esuriyanti Wan Ahmad with the staff of Hospital Tunku Azizah and IWK staff. Taufik, and chief corporate officer (CCO), Azuan Ahmad Zahdi, along with the management team, were present to share the celebration and personally distribute goodie bags and duit Raya to 30 children from B40 families affected by cancer. 'At IWK, we are not just committed to the preservation of the environment, but also to the community. 'We are grateful for the opportunity to share a little happiness with these children, survivors, and their families this Raya. Our hope is that these small gestures of kindness remind them that they are not alone on their journey. 'Through IWK Cares, we strive to create a positive impact beyond our core operations by fostering care and connection within the community we serve. 'We are honoured to share this festive season with those who continue to inspire us with their strength and resilience,' said Taufik.
