The Johor government has confirmed that ammonia contamination at Sungai Sayong, a tributary of Sungai Johor, resulted in the disruption of water supply to tens of thousands of consumers in the Kulai district.

According to state international trade, investment and utilities exco Jimmy Puah Wee Tse, the contamination was caused by a broken reservoir at a biocomposite centre located next to a palm oil plant in Sedenak in Kulai, yesterday.

“On April 3, ammonia pollution occurred [...] starting around 7am as a result of a broken reservoir which caused water containing ammonia to flow into Sungai Sayong,” he explained in a statement today.

Puah explained that the high ammonia levels resulted in both water treatment plants in the area being shut down at 6.30pm and was thus unable to process raw water.

This morning, the Semanggar and Sungai Johor water treatment plants were also non-operational, following by the Tai Hong water treatment plant later in the day.

Puah said: “So far, the area affected is in the Kulai district. An estimated 17,000 accounts with the Johor water company (SAJ) are experiencing water disruption and water supply is expected to be fully restored by 10pm tonight.”

The Bukit Batu assemblyperson, however, further stated that enforcement action against the premise involved has been taken.

“Authorities have taken action against the premise involved by cancelling their raw water abstraction license and will be charging a compound, at the relevant amount based on the incident.

“The Johor government will not compromise with irresponsible parties and (Johor Water Regulatory Body) Bakaj has cancelled the water abstraction license immediately.”

Puah, in his statement, however, did not name the company involved nor stated the amount of fine to be levied against the company.