CYBERJAYA: The plastic waste recycling premises responsible for the pollution of Sungai Kuang in July had misused its licence from the local authority by subletting it to a Chinese national who ran a similar business.
National Water Services Commission (SPAN) chairman Charles Santiago said an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) found that the premises owner did not inform the Selayang Municipal Council (MPS) or the Environment Department (DOE) that the licence had been sublet.
He also said the building plans for the premises, approved by MPS, did not contain any information on a culvert in the adjacent premises, which facilitated the operation of a "high-risk business."
Santiago said there was a possibility that both businesses were linked and that the primary tenant served as a proxy to facilitate illegal activities.
He was speaking at a press conference on the findings of a special task force looking into the July 22 incident.
It was previously reported that the pollution of Sungai Kundang was caused by a leak from the tank of a factory processing acrylic materials.
The pollution forced the closure of several water treatment plants, disrupting water supply to over 1,000 areas in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor.
Santiago today said SPAN would propose improvements, including stricter enforcement and mandatory inspections for licence applications and renewals.
"Targeted and periodic inspections also need to be carried out by the DOE for the approval of EIA reports," he said.
SPAN will also propose that the premises owner be investigated under the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act.
"SPAN remains committed to regulating the water services industry against any misconduct, including taking firm action against offenders," he said.