RM2 million for drones to monitor river pollution

 

Four high technology drones are to be used in Selangor beginning next month to monitor river basins for water pollution.

RAWANG: The Selangor state government has allocated RM2 million for 4 DJI Matrice 300 high technology drones to be used from next month to monitor rivers in Selangor and guard against pollution of water resources.

State executive councillor Hee Loy Sian said the drones would be managed by the Selangor Water Management Authority (LUAS).

“The drones will be used to monitor the Klang River Basin, Selangor River and Sungai Langat …. they will also be able to take water samples, including in remote areas, more accurately.

“In fact, they (drones) can also detect individuals at night, including giving early warnings if there are suspicious activities, with this technology we expect to prevent river pollution activities in Selangor in the future,” he said after inspecting the Sungai Gong flood mitigation pond here.

Police report lodged over possible sabotage

Hee said he did not rule out the possibility that there was an element of sabotage that caused the pollution of raw water sources which was detected today at 2am, causing water treatment plants to be closed.

“This is because this pollution occurred at night and on a Sunday, usually the factories do not operate on Sunday … we have lodged a police report so that the police can open an investigation paper to determine whether there is an element of sabotage or otherwise,” he said.

Tougher penalties on polluters

In addition, Hee said the proposal to change the existing LUAS enactment in relation to the punishment for river pollution offences would be tabled at the next State Assembly sitting.

“Now the fine imposed is RM100,000 or imprisonment, we want the existing fine to be increased to RM200,000 to a maximum of RM1 million and also jail of not more than a year on offenders.

“Besides that, we will also reward RM20,000 to whistle blowers regarding river pollution activities and the identities of the whistle blowers will be kept secret,” he said.

Almost 1,300 areas in the Klang Valley have been without water supply since the treatment plants were closed. Supplies will resume from 8am tomorrow, with full restoration in stages from Wednesday to Friday. - FMT