KULAI: A faulty component at a sewage treatment plant is believed to be the cause of fish deaths at a lake here, says Ling Tian Soon.

       The Johor health and environment committee chairman said the state Environment Department went to the Taman Matahari residential area in Bandar Indahpura here at 9.40am on Tuesday (March 19) to investigate after receiving a complaint.

       “We believe a nearby sewage treatment plant has caused water pollution as black-coloured effluent could be found at the plant’s drains. Further investigation found that the plant’s treatment system had a damaged component,” he said in a statement.

       As such, the department believes the plant released the effluent using a bypass, he added.

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       “Samples were also collected from the channel where the effluent flowed out from the plant as well as the water in the lake. Both showed drops in water quality levels.

       “The department has issued a notice to the plant to stop polluting the environment and carry out repairs immediately,” said Ling.

       He added that the department and the Kulai Municipal Council’s engineering unit would also conduct further investigations to take other necessary action.

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       The department would continue monitoring the water quality level at the lake as well as the progress of the repairs at the treatment plant, said Ling.

       Earlier, a video clip showing dead fish floating in the lake went viral on social media, raising concerns among residents and the public about the condition of the water.