Indah Water Konsortium Sdn Bhd (IWK) has denied the allegation by an anti-corruption watchdog that the firm's sewerage system in Langkawi is mismanaged.
The nation's sewage services operator took the Center to Combat Corruption and Cronyism (C4) to task for statements it made on March 19 which it said contradicted C4's report highlighting issues of governance, environment, corruption, smuggling and other abuses said to be occurring on the island.
During the launch of its report "Langkawi (Good Governance, The Pillar to a Successful Tourism Industry)”, C4 cited alleged mismanagement of the IWK sewerage system had resulted in the occasional discharge of waste into the sea.
In a statement today, IWK stated that it has always prioritised efficient sewage treatment on the island to support its growth as a popular tourist destination and complied with stringent standards by the Department of Environment and the National Water Services Commission (Span)
IWK said it has been operating and maintaining the public-connected sewerage system in Langkawi since 1994.
“Langkawi has always been the priority for IWK to provide efficient sewerage services to its people as well as maintaining no sewage pollution to the surrounding waters.
“With a total number of 11 sewage treatment plants (STP), seven network pumping stations and 60km of sewer lines on the island, IWK provides efficient sewerage services to approximately 102,000 population equivalent,” it added.
IWK claimed that while the 40-page report, available on C4’s website, highlighted earlier issues faced at the sewage treatment plant in Pantai Chenang and Pantai Tengah, it also acknowledged that the plant had been upgraded and the problem resolved with no open discharge to the sea.
“As of today, approximately 14,000 people are connected to the sewage treatment plant in Pantai Tengah, which comprises domestic and 104 commercial premises such as hotels, motels and chalets.
“The report further states that if there is seepage, it would have been from sources other than IWK as there are still premises that are not connected to the IWK system.
“The report, however, ended in its overview as 'alleged mismanagement of the IWK sewerage system, resulting in the occasional discharge of waste into the open sea',” it said.
IWK feared such “misleading information” could negatively impact its reputation as the national sewerage service provider.
Even so, IWK stressed that it still welcomes studies that aim to improve the sewerage or water industries, in all states IWK operates. - Mkini
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