LETTERS: Selangor has not been able to overcome the problem of unscheduled water cuts.
The latest occurred on July 23 due to acid spillage from a recycling plant in Kuang.
The spill polluted Sungai Kundang and Sungai Sembah, and feeder rivers to the Sungai Selangor water treatment plants, causing water cuts that affected many consumers.
Time and again, it has been suggested that industries near streams and rivers should be relocated or opt for a change of business.
Recycling is a big business in Selangor and the state government needs to engage contractors to collect chemicals, oil and other liquid waste from industries and dispose of them properly in landfills or other sites.
Rubbish is collected by local authorities, so pollutants from industries need to be collected regularly too. This service can be free or subsidised as the goal is to control pollution.
The authorities could use drones to monitor industries located near streams and rivers.
Proper zoning must also be set up in commercial areas to ensure pollution is minimised.
For example, eateries and motor workshops should be allowed only in certain zones to enable disposal.
Selangor is a developed state with a large, mostly urban population.
Cleaning polluted and dirty water increases the cost of treatment and the use of chemicals like chlorine.
V. THOMAS
Sungai Buloh, Selangor
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times