There’s a critical reason why toxic waste and harmful substances must be disposed of responsibly, safely, and in full compliance with regulations.
Improper disposal, such as pouring chemicals into sewerage systems or flushing hazardous items down the toilet, can pose serious risks to you, the public, and the environment.
A recent incident at Bukit Minyak, Bukit Mertajam, highlights just how dangerous this can be. During a sewer blast, a pink discharge was discovered in the sewer system. Investigations by Indah Water Konsortium (IWK) Sdn. Bhd. identified that a toxic, pink-coloured gaseous influent had entered the network, strongly indicating illegal chemical dumping.
These incidents are far from isolated—similar cases have occurred in the past. For instance, in November 2020, IWK reported the illegal discharge of wastewater, appearing as white foam and red water, into the sewage treatment plant in Taman Velox, Rawang. Immediate actions were taken to enhance the biological treatment process, removal of contaminants, diversion of polluted wastewater into isolated tanks, and 24-hour plant monitoring.
Had these harmful chemicals bypassed the treatment process entirely, the environmental consequences would have been severe; threatening ecosystems, water sources, and public health.
In late 2019, IWK had to conduct clean-up operations after glycerine waste was illegally dumped into a public sewer manhole in the Kamunting Industrial Area, Bukit Sentosa. IWK personnel found the manhole cover vandalised and sewage overflowing onto Jalan Kamunting 2B. Immediate intervention works were carried out to contain the situation and prevent contamination of nearby water sources. Media reports at the time believed that the illegal dumping of glycerine waste polluted the main drainage near Masjid As-Salam, Bukit Sentosa, Rawang, Selangor.
“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.
Discharging waste into manholes is a serious offence under Section 122 of the Water Services Industry Act 2006 [Act 655], which expressly prohibits the disposal of any substance into manholes. Offenders now face significantly increased penalties—fines of up to RM1 million and/or imprisonment for up to 10 years.
Likewise, the discharge of prohibited effluent or noxious substances into public sewers or sewage treatment facilities constitutes an offence under Section 61. Upon conviction, offenders may be fined up to RM100,000, imprisoned for a term not exceeding one year, or both.
But these risks aren’t limited to industrial waste. Everyday habits contribute too. Whether at home or in business, using proper disposal methods can make a meaningful difference.
IWK urges all customers to dispose of waste properly. Seemingly harmless items like wet wipes, diapers, sanitary pads, even clothing, can clog sewer pipelines, leading to serious blockages. These obstructions can damage pipelines, cause sewer overflows, flood streets and rivers, and disrupt entire communities.
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. Together, with responsible waste habits, we can safeguard our environment and ensure the smooth operation of our nation’s sewerage infrastructure.
