The causes of water pollution have led to severe impacts, mainly on public health, the environment and the economy. Therefore, the public, especially industrial sectors should look seriously into this matter to prevent the issue of water pollution from happening in our country.
What are the causes of water pollution in Malaysia?
The picture is for illustration purpose only.
There are many major causes of water pollution. Point sources and non-point sources are both responsible for water pollution in Malaysia.
There is one research from 2010 by Hashim Daud, Director of Marine and Water Division at the Malaysian Department of Environment. In this case, he discusses the causes of water pollution in Malaysia.
Point source
Sewage treatment facilities, agriculture, industry, sulphur or greywater from business and residential buildings, and pig farms are the main pollution sources in his research.
Agricultural-based industries
Agriculture-based industries such as rubber and palm oil mills harm waterways. Moreover, the industries have an efficient wastewater treatment system.
Manufacturing industries
Manufacturing is creating POPs and inorganic contaminants. A wastewater treatment facility is required for every company. Company self-regulation is also encouraged (ISO 14001).
Sewage Disposal and Sewerage Works
Sewage pollutes our waterways. Thus, this is a long-standing problem that continues to afflict the nation. Hence, this decreases sewage pollution and improve river water quality.
Sullage
Sullage is a major polluter of homes and businesses. For instance, sinks, laundry, and vehicle washes all produce effluents. Therefore,the lack of sullage treatment also affects water quality.
Pig Farming
This industry consumes a lot of water and pollutes rivers. For example, pig farming waste treatment and disease control zones must be built.
Non-point source
Non-point source pollution refers to water pollution that impacts a water body through a variety of secondary sources, such as land use, land-use changes, and contaminated runoff from agricultural regions that drain into a river or other water body (Ain Nihla Kamarudzaman et al., 2011).
Agricultural runoff
Agricultural runoff from pesticide spraying, fertilisation, planting, harvesting, feedlots, farmland, grazing, ploughing, and irrigation.
Forestry runoff
Wood cutting, streamside vegetation removal, road construction and use in wooded areas, and mechanised tree planting preparation all result in forestry runoff.
Urban runoff
Urban runoff pollutes rivers. Installing storm water filters treats drainage and runoff. This is to create wetlands. Therefore, this technique improves river water quality and preserves plants that function as filters.
The causes of water pollution have affected three major areas such as:
Health
Water pollution kills more people each year than all other kinds of violence combined, according to the United Nations. Here are a few of the health problems that may arise as a result of exposure to water pollution:
- constipation
- diarrhoea.
- skin rashes
- circulation issues
- bone mineral buildup
- malignancies
- neurological diseases.
- Raises the risk of waterborne illnesses
According to WHO (World Health Organization), there are estimation about 829 000 people die each year from diarrhoea as a result of unsafe drinking-water, sanitation, and hand hygiene.
Environment
Water pollution also kills aquatic organisms. In this case, dead fish, crabs, birds, and whales are the best proof. Since, they frequently wash up on the beach. Acid rain may potentially increase the lake’s acidity. Thus, is bad for fish. On the other hand, animals die due to pollution in their natural habitat. In fact, all of this may damage the environment and threaten lives.
Economy
Chamhuri Siwar and Ferdoushi Ahmed of the University Kebangsaan Malaysia’s Institute for Environment and Development (LESTARI) have conducted a study on this. The researcher found that water pollution may have many negative economic effects. The effects of climate change are felt in many ways. Because these businesses rely largely on clean drinking water. To put it another way, increasing treatment costs. Contaminated water increases the cost of the commodity.
The Causes of Water Pollution – Past Case in Malaysia
Source: Selangor water woes: Factory behind odour pollution is repeat offender – YouTube
THE FACTORY RESPONSIBLE FOR THE FOUL SMELLS IS A REPEAT OFFENDER on 4 Sept 2020, RAWANG – According to The Star Four Klang Valley districts lost water on October 4th. River contamination has cut off water supplies. Sungai Semenyih’s shutdown of two water treatment facilities impacted 309,687 customers in Petaling, Hulu Langat, Kuala Langat and Sepang. On September 3, chemical effluents from a Rawang auto repair business spilled into a river forced the shutdown of four treatment facilities. Supply gradually restored September 6-8.
To conclude, the suspect is at risk of five to thirty years in prison, a fine, or both if convicted. The Environmental Act carries a maximum RM100,000 fine and/or five-year prison term. The Environmental Quality Act 1974 uses Section 34A to demand a report on the environmental impact of specified operations (EIA requirement).
What can we do to mitigate the causes of water pollution?
In 2020, there are a total of 14 cases reported for water pollution under section 25(1) (Discharged Effluent Greater Than Specified Conditions), of the Environmental Quality Act, 1974. If your business is likely to be under the DOE’s radar, you might want to consider getting expert advice from a qualified EIA consultant organization.
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This article is for public general information purposes only. It is not meant to be used or constructed as advice in any manner.
