SPAN intensifies septic tank enforcement in Pahang

The National Water Services Commission (SPAN) has intensified enforcement against property owners failing to empty septic tanks through an operation known as ‘Ops Tok Gajah’ in Kuantan and Temerloh, Pahang.

During the operation, which runs until September 26, authorities identified 1,338 premises that failed to comply with emptying notices issued by Indah Water Konsortium (IWK). This includes 1,284 residential properties and 54 commercial premises.

Under the Water Services Industry Act 2006, owners are required to maintain septic tanks by appointing licensed services for regular desludging. For premises within local authority areas, emptying must occur every two years, while those outside these areas must comply every three years.

Violators face significant penalties under the Act, including fines of up to RM50,000 and potential imprisonment for up to six months. SPAN officials noted that there are approximately 1.38 million individual septic tanks across Peninsular Malaysia and Labuan, with over 154,000 located in Pahang.