PASIR GUDANG: The Johor Department of Environment (DoE) yesterday detained an oleo-chemical factory manager and supervisor in Pasir Gudang Industrial Park on suspicion of polluting Sungai Buluh here.
The men have been detained under Section 37C of the Environmental Quality Act 1974 for discharging hazardous material into a waterway.
Toxic effluent found in Sungai Buloh here was suspected to be from an industrial facility.
Johor DoE director Dr Mohd Famey Yusof said an investigation was launched following public complaints of discolouration of Sungai Buluh and foul odours emanating from the river.
DoE investigators found that the oleo-chemical plant's wastewater treatment system failed to process effluent, resulting in untreated or poorly treated brown effluent were being discharged into the river.
"Samples of the effluent were collected and sent to the Chemistry Department in Petaling Jaya for comprehensive testing to determine the extent and composition of the contamination," Famey said in a statement today.
An oleochemical facility processes natural oils and fats to be made into detergents, lubricants, biodiesel, plastics and coatings.
He said an Equipment Operation Detention order was also issued after the factory owners failed to ensure that its systems were functioning properly to prevent pollution.
The suspects are being investigated over the pollution of terrestrial waters and violations of the Environmental Quality (Industrial Effluent) Regulations 2009, which govern the treatment and discharge of industrial wastewater.