KUANTAN: The oil spill incident at Sungai Teka along Jalan Benta - Jerantut in Lipis yesterday has not affected the downstream areas in Sungai Lipis or any water treatment plants(LRA) in the vicinity, Pahang Department of Environment said.
The department, in a statement, said checks showed the oil spill had not affected the operations of LRAs in the area.
During the 9am incident, a tanker lorry ferrying palm oil crashed into an electric pole causing the detached trailer to land in a stream and spill the oily substance into Sungai Teka.
The driver escaped with light injuries.
The department said the tanker ferrying crude palm oil was partially submerged into the river following the crash.
"Upon noticing the spill, the transporter had taken immediate action.
"It is estimated between eight and 12 tonnes or between 20 and 30 percent of the full capacity of the tanker which is 40 tonnes had spilled into the river.
"The transporter is carrying out cleaning up works at the affected river and is attempting to remove the tanker from the site.
"The department has inspected the downstream section of the river where the crash occurred and found no traces of palm oil flowing towards Sungai Lipis," read the statement.
The department said the public can report any pollution activities through the 24-hour toll-free line at 1-800-88-2727, email to aduan_k@doe.gov.my or visit JAS e-aduan portal at http://eaduan.doe.gov.my.