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This Spotlight is sponsored by Indah Water Konsortium.
Most of us don't think twice about where our waste goes after we flush the toilet or pour stuff down the sink.
But improper disposal can pose serious risks to you, the public, and the environment.
A sewer blast in Bukit Minyak recently revealed toxic pink gunk in the system, a clear sign that someone dumped something they shouldn't have.
Indah Water Konsortium (IWK) discovered a pink-coloured gaseous discharge spreading through the sewer network in Bukit Minyak, strongly indicating illegal chemical dumping.
And this isn't even the first time it's happened
Back in November 2020, a similar situation happened at Taman Velox in Rawang. Red water and white foam were found entering the sewage treatment plant. IWK had to isolate tanks, monitor the plant around the clock, and boost the treatment process just to undo the damage.
In late 2019, a separate incident involved the illegal dumping of glycerine waste into a manhole in Bukit Sentosa. The manhole was found vandalised, sewage spilled out onto Jalan Kamunting 2B, and it all reportedly made its way near Masjid As-Salam. IWK had to intervene to contain the situation and prevent contamination of nearby water sources.
Had these harmful chemicals bypassed the treatment process entirely, the environmental consequences would have been severe; threatening ecosystems, water sources, and public health.
Illegal waste dumping is not a victimless act
"These illegal discharges not only disrupt the treatment process but also place a significant financial burden on the company. On average, we spend up to RM500,000 depending on severity to rectify any incident", said Ir. Mohd Taufik Salleh, Chief Operating Officer of IWK.
"This is money that could be better invested in improving infrastructure, expanding service coverage, and driving innovations that better serve our communities and protect the environment," he added.
In fact, illegal dumping could cost you up to RM1 million in fines and more
Under the Water Services Industry Act 2006 (Act 655), illegal dumping can lead to fines up to RM1 million or 10 years of jail time. And that's just for manhole offences.
If you're caught dumping harmful substances into the sewers or treatment plants? That's another RM100,000 fine or a year behind bars.
So, what can you do about it?
Turns out, besides industrial waste dumping, everyday items like wet wipes, diapers, sanitary pads, and even old clothes are causing sewer blockages.
You might think they'll just disappear into the pipes, but they actually pile up and block the system, leading to sewer overflows, flooded streets, and even river pollution.
That's why IWK is urging everyone to dispose of waste properly.
Proper waste disposal is crucial to keep our sewerage network functioning efficiently. When waste is managed correctly, it travels safely through the sewer system to IWK's treatment plants, where it undergoes regulated, thorough treatment before being safely discharged back into waterways.
This process protects public health, preserves the environment, and ensures a sustainable future for generations to come.
IWK remains committed to managing Malaysia's sewerage system, but everyone plays a vital role
Find out more about IWK's role in safeguarding the nation's sewerage system on their website.
For more #informative stories:
- What Happens After You Flush? Here's Why Paying Your Indah Water Bill Is So Important
- PSA: It Costs Billions Of Ringgit Each Year To Treat Whatever You Flush Down The Toilet
- PSA: You Should Never Pour Leftover Cooking Oil Into The Sink
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