Leak at pig farm in Tangkak leads to river pollution

 

TANGKAK: A leak at a pig farm in Kampung Teratai here has reportedly caused pollution in a nearby tributary in Felda Sri Jaya, Bukit Serampang.

The Tangkak district office said an inspection at the farm found a leak in its sewage pond.

It said the farm operator was told to carry out immediate repairs and the leakage was stopped.

"The Tangkak Veterinary Services Office (VSO) and Irrigation and Drainage Department (DID) have directed cleaning works at the affected areas and along the drainage system of Sungai Penyalai, which will be carried out from Friday (Jan 23) to Jan 31.

"Micro-organisms were also released to help break down organic waste and reduce odour, and there are early signs of recovery," the district office said in a statement on Friday.

Tangkak district officer Ungku Suzana Ungku Mohammad inspected the site with multiple agencies including the Tangkak VSO, DID, Johor water regulatory body (Bakaj) and the Environment Department (DOE) on Thursday (Jan 22).

On water safety, the district office said the DOE was conducting continuous water quality monitoring through the automatic river water quality monitoring station at Sungai Muar to ensure public water supply remains safe.

"Bakaj is testing raw water samples to ensure compliance with the National Drinking Water Quality Standards issued by the Health Ministry, while Ranhill SAJ is carrying out treated water quality tests every two to four hours at the Bukit Serampang water treatment plant.

"Ranhill SAJ has confirmed that the treated water supply is safe for use and meets Health Ministry standards," the statement read.

The district office said it views the pollution seriously and will continue monitoring to safeguard environmental safety and the well-being of the local community. - Star