Selangor: Emergency cases involving water source pollution in Selangor have seen a significant reduction of 65 per cent last year compared to 2024, highlighting the effectiveness of the Zero Discharge Policy (ZDP) in addressing pollution from industrial activities. State Public Health and Environment Committee chairman Jamaliah Jamaluddin noted that this improvement has bolstered the stability of the state's water supply system, with no shutdowns at major water treatment plants since the ZDP was introduced in August two years ago.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Jamaliah stated that the ZDP initiative, managed by the Selangor Water Management Authority (LUAS), has successfully prevented major water treatment plant shutdowns due to water source pollution, thereby reducing the risk of supply disruptions for both domestic users and the economic sector. The Water Quality Index (WQI) readings for major rivers up to October 2025 were in Class II and above, indicating that water sources remain safe for raw water supply.
Further, Jamaliah shared that the policy's implementation has consistently reduced pollution cases, with only 28 incidents reported in 2025 compared to 80 in 2024, 76 in 2023, 71 in 2022, and 64 in 2021. This decline also showcases improved compliance among industrial premises in wastewater management and more efficient treatment systems. She emphasized that the 65 per cent reduction demonstrates the ZDP's success in mitigating water source pollution and enhancing effluent management among industries. Several factories have adopted wastewater recycling and treatment systems that meet standards, thus minimizing their operational impact on rivers.
Additionally, Jamaliah highlighted that the ZDP has reinforced the Emission or Discharge of Pollutants (State of Selangor) Regulations 2012 by mandating the treatment of wastewater before its discharge into water sources. The policy is implemented through the Effluent Discharge Licensing System (LEDs), which focuses on monitoring quality and quantity, including monthly reporting to LUAS and the imposition of return water charges. Licensed premises are required to conduct self-monitoring with effluent sampling at accredited laboratories and submit reports quarterly to LUAS. Enforcement action is taken if standard limits are not met to ensure water source quality is maintained.
Jamaliah further commented on the state government's commitment to strengthening policy, enforcement, and strategic cooperation to ensure the sustainability of water resources for current and future generations. The success of the ZDP in Selangor has drawn interest from several other state governments looking to adopt a similar approach.