Latest news with #WaterServicesIndustryAct2006
The Star
3 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.
New Straits Times
5 days ago
- New Straits Times
Op Curi Air: Illegal water connection uncovered at Mantin farm
NILAI: The National Water Services Commission (SPAN) enforcement division raided a vegetable farm in Mantin late Tuesday night for allegedly stealing treated water. In a statement today, SPAN said the farm had made an illegal pipe connection to draw water for use on the premises and in its workers' quarters. "SPAN, together with Syarikat Air Negeri Sembilan Sdn Bhd (Sains), carried out Op Curi Air at a farm suspected of illegally tapping into the water supply network. "Checks revealed an unauthorised connection made without the operator's permission. "The illegal tapping was done directly from a pipe connected to a Sains meter," the statement read. Chlorine tests confirmed that the water was treated and supplied by the operator for use in farm operations and the workers' quarters. The case is being investigated under Section 89(9) of the Water Services Industry Act 2006 (Act 655), which carries a maximum fine of RM50,000, imprisonment of up to six months, or both, upon conviction. SPAN warned that unauthorised tapping of treated water is a serious offence and would result in legal action. "Further action, including cutting off the connection and a full investigation, will follow. "The public is urged to notify their local water operator if they detect any suspicious activity involving illegal water connections or the theft of treated water. "Reports or information on water pollution can be submitted via (SPAN's sisMAS system)," it added.
New Straits Times
23-07-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Sanusi: Kedah water tariff hike to stay below 5 sen
ALOR STAR: The proposed water tariff revision submitted to the federal government will not burden consumers, with the increase expected to remain below five sen per cubic metre, said Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor. Sanusi said the application was formally submitted by Syarikat Air Darul Aman (Sada) in line with the mechanism set by the National Water Services Commission. "I'm not sure of the exact figure, but I believe it will be no more than five sen. Even the minimum rate may see only a slight increase," he said at a press conference after launching the logo for the 7th Kedah Darul Aman Sports Games at Wisma Darul Aman here today. "The last tariff hike was over a decade ago, around 2011 or 2012. Let's wait for the approval." Sanusi said over 60 per cent of Sada's operating costs are tied to electricity bills, which amount to RM128 million a year. He added that the situation was not unique to Kedah, as most water operators nationwide were struggling with rising treatment and maintenance costs. "The largest share of Sada's operational cost is electricity, followed by staff salaries, treatment chemicals and infrastructure maintenance. "If electricity tariffs increase while water tariffs remain stagnant, operators will be under financial pressure. Sada alone pays RM128 million a year just for electricity. That's 60 per cent of its operating cost. So when electricity rates rise every year, but water tariffs stay the same, operators are squeezed." He also touched on the regulatory framework under the Water Services Industry Act 2006, which transferred state water supply assets to Pengurusan Aset Air Bhd (PAAB) as part of efforts to restructure water-related debt. "Kedah previously had RM2.3 billion in water-related debt. Under the Water Services Industry Act, all assets were transferred to PAAB, and the state government now pays lease charges, which count as debt repayments. The state must also fully own its water operator." Sanusi dismissed claims that the state government planned to relinquish control of Sada, saying such a move would be legally impossible under the act.
The Star
15-07-2025
- Business
- The Star
Negri has submitted application to SPAN to review domestic water rates, says MB
SEREMBAN: The Negri Sembilan government has submitted an application to the National Water Services Commission (SPAN) to review water rates for domestic users in the state. Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun ( pic ) said an increase was necessary to enable state water concessionaire Syarikat Air Negri Sembilan (SAINS) to continue operating. He said the recent increase in water tariffs would add to SAINS' operating expenditure. "We are proposing a marginal increase for households as we need to understand that SAINS' operating costs will surely go up with the increase in tariffs. "SAINS has also been giving some form of subsidy for a certain percentage of water usage and it has to increase water rates marginally to enable it to continue its operations," he said. Aminuddin said a slight increase was also justified as about RM20mil annually is used to replace old and broken pipes in the state. He said SAINS also had to spend money to repair and upgrade water tanks to ensure supply in some areas is not disrupted. He also said more funds would be needed for more water tanks in areas with water supply issues. Aminuddin said the state would apply for a RM100mil allocation from the Federal Government to improve the water supply network in the state. "This is over and above the allocation set aside by SAINS," he said, adding that he hoped consumers would understand that the proposal to increase water tariffs was not to enrich Sains but to allow it to continue operating and provide quality water supply. Last week, SPAN said it had received applications from 10 states to review their water tariff rates. SPAN is empowered by the Water Services Industry Act 2006 to regulate and monitor the economic, technical, and social aspects of the water supply and sewerage services industry in Peninsular Malaysia, Putrajaya and Labuan.
The Star
09-07-2025
- Business
- The Star
Ten states apply to SPAN to review water tariffs
CYBERJAYA: Ten states have submitted applications to the National Water Services Commission (SPAN) to review their water tariff rates. The states are Penang, Perlis, Kedah, Kelantan, Terengganu, Selangor, Negri Sembilan, Melaka, Johor, and Pahang. "All of these applications are still under review and have not been finalised. "SPAN will ensure that every aspect is taken into account before any decision is made," it said in a statement on Wednesday (July 9). This, it added, is to ensure that the wellbeing of the 27.2 million consumers is prioritised while the operators' ability to continue providing services is also given due consideration. SPAN is empowered by the Water Services Industry Act 2006 (Act 655) to regulate and monitor the economic, technical, and social aspects of the water supply and sewerage services industry in Peninsular Malaysia, Putrajaya, and Labuan. It also regulates entities within the water supply and sewerage services industry, including water supply and sewerage service operators, water supply and sewerage contractors, as well as permit holders and approved products.
