The Melaka Department of Environment (JAS) has identified a factory suspected of causing black water pollution in the flood retention pond at Bukit Rambai Industrial Area recently.
JAS Melaka director Rosli Mustafa said initial investigations indicate the dark water may have originated from the discharge of liquid waste by a scheduled waste processing factory located near the area.
He added that the incident raised serious concerns about environmental contamination and public safety, as the retention pond plays a vital role in water management and flood prevention.
“Several rounds of further investigations and intensive monitoring activities are being carried out to identify the party responsible for releasing the waste into the flood retention pond,” he said in a statement today.
Earlier reports revealed that the daily activities of nearly 1,000 residents across four villages in Bukit Rambai were disrupted due to river pollution spanning approximately 10 kilometres, suspected to be caused by industrial waste discharged into the retention pond over the past three weeks. The pollution turned water in several tributaries feeding into Sungai Ayer Salak and Sungai Malim black, emitting an oily smell before emptying into the estuary near the Klebang Besar fishing jetty.
Rosli confirmed that last Monday, authorities ordered the immediate cessation of any activities at the premises that could contribute to environmental pollution.
“Enforcement action has been taken in accordance with the Environmental Quality Act 1974. Water samples have also been collected for analysis, though results will depend on the Chemistry Department,” he said.
He emphasised that JAS Melaka will not compromise on environmental violations and will continue strict monitoring and enforcement to safeguard public well-being and environmental sustainability.
Members of the public with information or complaints about environmental pollution are urged to contact the JAS Hotline at 1800-88-2727 to assist with further investigations.
