Palm oil mill shut down after pump failure sends effluent into Johor’s Sungai Sembrong

Johor Department of Environment (DoE) enforcement personnel inspect a section of Sungai Sembrong showing traces of pollution believed to have originated from a nearby palm oil mill in Kluang, September 17, 2026. — Picture courtesy of the Department of Environment (DoE)

By Ben Tan

First Published: Thursday, 17 Sep 2026 3:29 PM MYT

KLUANG, Sept 17 — A palm oil mill in Kluang has been identified as the source of pollution in Sungai Sembrong and ordered to halt operations immediately.

The directive was issued by the Kluang branch of the Department of Environment (DoE) following an investigation and inspection of the facility after pollution in the river was first detected on Monday.

“Further investigation revealed a pump malfunction at the mill’s effluent treatment pond, causing an overflow of oil-contaminated effluent into Sungai Sembrong.

“The mill has been ordered to halt operations immediately and is required to carry out cleanup and repair works. Follow-up action on the suspension of its licence is also underway,” the DoE said in a statement today.

Dead fish and prawns had previously been found along stretches of Sungai Sembrong, with the pollution reportedly affecting the livelihoods of nearby Orang Asli villagers.

The DoE reminded industries, particularly palm oil mill operators, to strictly comply with requirements under the Environmental Quality Act 1974 and the department’s licensing conditions.

It warned that stern action, including the suspension or revocation of licences, would be taken against any breach of the Act that causes environmental pollution or threatens drinking water supplies or public health.