If someone told you they saw pink water in a sewer in Bukit Mertajam, you might’ve thought they were exaggerating.
But no, it’s real, and it’s as serious as it looks.
A recent sewer blast in Bukit Minyak, Bukit Mertajam led Indah Water Konsortium (IWK) to discover something worrying: a pink-coloured gaseous substance in the sewer system.
After investigating, IWK found strong signs that this was the result of illegal chemical dumping.
This may sound like an isolated case, but unfortunately, it’s part of a bigger pattern.
It’s Not the First Time and That’s the Bigger Problem
Believe it or not, this kind of illegal dumping has happened more than once. And each time, it puts the sewer system, the environment, and public health at risk.
Here are a few major incidents IWK has had to respond to in recent years:
Bukit Minyak (2025)
This is the most recent case. The sewer system was contaminated with pink, toxic effluent after a blast, strongly pointing to illegal chemical discharge.
Taman Velox, Rawang (2020)
Back in 2020, IWK discovered white foam and red wastewater being dumped into a treatment plant. Their team acted fast, improving the treatment process, isolating polluted water, and running 24-hour monitoring to avoid a bigger disaster.
Bukit Sentosa, Rawang (2019)
In another case, glycerine waste was illegally dumped into a vandalised manhole. Sewage ended up overflowing onto Jalan Kamunting 2B, and media reports linked it to pollution near Masjid As-Salam. Immediate cleanup was needed to contain the situation.
Each of these cases shows how one illegal act can disrupt the entire system and the effects go beyond just bad smells or dirty water.
So Why Does It Matter? Here’s the Real Impact
Let’s talk about why this is such a big deal.
First, IWK’s sewage treatment plants are designed for domestic wastewater like from your toilet, sink, and shower.
They’re not equipped to handle industrial or chemical waste. When something toxic gets in, it can disrupt the whole treatment process.
Second, there’s the financial cost. According to IWK’s Chief Operating Officer, Ir. Mohd Taufik Salleh, each illegal dumping incident can cost up to RM500,000 to fix.
That’s a huge amount that could otherwise be used to improve infrastructure or expand service areas.
In other words, illegal dumping doesn’t just mess up pipes, it diverts funds away from things that could benefit everyone.
And It’s Not Just Costly, It’s Illegal
Besides being harmful, dumping waste into manholes or public sewers is against the law.
Under the Water Services Industry Act 2006 [Act 655], there are serious consequences:
- Section 122: Dumping substances into manholes is punishable with fines up to RM1 million, 10 years’ imprisonment, or both.
- Section 61: Discharging prohibited effluent or noxious substances into public sewers or treatment facilities can result in fines up to RM100,000, up to 1 year in prison, or both.
These laws exist for a reason: to protect public health, the environment, and critical infrastructure.
It’s Not Just Factories, We’re Part of the Picture Too
Here’s something a lot of people don’t realise: it’s not only big companies that are causing problems.
According to IWK, even household habits play a role. Things like:
- Wet wipes
- Diapers
- Sanitary pads
- Old clothing
These may seem harmless, but when flushed down the toilet or dumped irresponsibly, they clog pipes, block the flow of sewage, and can even lead to sewer overflows that flood roads and rivers.
So whether it’s a business or a home, proper disposal is key.
What Happens When Waste Is Handled Properly?
When everything is disposed of correctly, here’s what happens:
Waste flows safely through the sewer network to IWK’s treatment plants. There, it goes through a regulated and thorough treatment process before being discharged back into waterways; clean and safe.
This system protects public health, keeps the environment safe, and ensures a sustainable future for generations to come.
But it only works if everyone does their part.
So, What Can We Do About It?
IWK is doing the hard work behind the scenes, responding to emergencies, managing the sewer system, and cleaning up illegal discharges. But keeping the system running smoothly isn’t their job alone.
Here’s how we can help:
- Dispose of waste properly, both at home and in business settings
- Avoid flushing or dumping anything that doesn’t belong in the sewer
- Stay informed about what’s safe and what’s not
- Report any suspicious dumping activity to IWK or local authorities
The pink sewer water incident might’ve shocked people at first but it’s also a wake-up call.
Illegal dumping is more common than we think, and the damage it causes isn’t just technical, it’s personal. It affects the water we use, the streets we live on, and the environment we all share.
By taking small steps and staying responsible, we can help IWK protect our sewer system and ensure clean, safe water for everyone.Let’s all do our part. Visit www.iwk.com.my to learn how you can make a difference.
