PORT DICKSON: Despite the availability of centralised modern sewer systems since 2008, 34 hotels and high-rise condominiums in a resort town have yet to connect to the Indah Water Konsortium-operated Sunggala and Port Dickson facilities.
State climate change, human resources, entrepreneurship, cooperatives and consumerism committee chairman S. Veerapan said only 11 hotels and condominium complexes here have done so.
"We want them to get connected to the central system soon so that their waste can be properly treated.
"Although they have their individual treatment systems, we want them to send their waste to the centralised facilities so that they will stop discharging their treated waste into the sea.
"Hotels and the high-rise condominiums in Port Dickson should comply with the relevant legislation to ensure the operation of the premises complies with the laws and does not affect the environment," he said adding that this requirement was also in line with the Environmental Quality (Sewage) Regulations 2009.
Veerapan noted that compounds had been issued to owners of 12 such properties since 2023 for non-compliance with waste treatment standards before discharge into the sea.
He said those found to have violated the provision can be fined up to RM100,000 or jailed for up to five years, or both upon conviction.
"Although there have been no reports so far, we do not want our beautiful beaches to be polluted and the quality of marine life affected.
"So, I hope the property owners will comply and have the sewage system connected to any of the two treatment plants soon.
"This is also in line with the state government's aspirations to ensure Port Dickson, which has beautiful beaches and is a popular family holiday destination, remains among the top tourism areas," he said.
Of the 34 hotel and condominium complexes, 23 are in the Sunggala area, seven in Pasir Panjang and four in Lukut, Veerapan said after opening a workshop aimed at fostering compliance with the ruling.
The event, held in conjunction with World Environment Day, was co-organised by the Department of Environment, Indah Water Konsortium and the National Water Services Commission.
When asked why the property owners had refused to comply with the ruling, Veerapan said the property owners were probably under the impression that their internal facilities were adequate for waste treatment.
"The two facilities built by the authorities are modern and can meet the waste treatment standards set by the authorities.
"Port Dickson is a popular tourism destination and we cannot take the risk of having polluted beaches," he said.
Veerapan said the property owners can also reduce their costs by shutting down their internal treatment plants if they connect to any of the two modern facilities.
