SINGAPORE – Operations at PUB’s Johor River Waterworks (JRWW) have been temporarily suspended, the national water agency said on Nov 1.

In response to media queries, it said it is aware of a water pollution incident affecting the Johor River.

However, PUB also said that water supply in Singapore remains unaffected as it has stepped up production at local plants to meet demand.

“PUB is monitoring the raw water quality in the Johor River closely,” it added, noting that the suspension is a precautionary measure. “Operations will resume when water quality checks show that the Johor River quality is back to normal.”

Malaysia’s Environment Department on Oct 31 confirmed damage to a “bund silt pond” believed to be caused by sand dredging activities in upstream Sungai Johor, reported Bernama.

The report quoted Johor’s Environment Department director Dr Mohd Famey Yusoff as saying that the state’s water regulatory body has ordered an immediate stop to sand dredging operations.

However, he added that the escaped silt could not be contained, as it continued to flow into the river.

Residents surveyed by Bernama expressed concern after hundreds of fish were found dead due to the muddy water in the river.

The news outlet said it is believed to have been caused by a burst holding pond belonging to a sand mining company, and that residents have made police reports in response.

The Straits Times has sent queries to PUB for more information.

Source: The Straits Times © SPH Media Limited. Permission required for reproduction

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