STANDING AT THE HEART OF BUKIT BINTANG

 BUKIT BINTANG, THE HEART OF THE CITY THAT NEVER SLEEPS

Palm Oil, Rivers, and Water Security (Johor)

 

Excerpt : The Johor Department of Environment (DoE) has arrested a palm oil processing mill manager to assist in investigations into a pollution incident at a stretch of Sungai Johor in Kampung Orang Asli Sayong Pinang 

Palm oil mills generate large volumes of high-strength industrial wastewater known as Palm Oil Mill Effluent (POME). When treatment systems fail, are undersized, or poorly governed, POME can rapidly degrade river ecosystems and disrupt water supply systems. Johor is particularly vulnerable due to its strategic river basin supplying both Johor and Singapore. This report integrates engineering analysis, environmental science, governance risks, and policy recommendations, and proposes the most effective communication formats for policymakers, corporate leaders, and the public.

1. SCALE OF PALM OIL 

Wastewater Challenge : Malaysia is one of the world’s largest palm oil producers, with more than 500 palm oil mills processing tens of millions of tonnes of fresh fruit bunches annually. Key Statistics 

Each tonne of crude palm oil (CPO) generates 2.5–3.5 m³ of POME. Malaysia produces tens of millions of cubic metres of POME annually. POME is among the highest-strength agro-industrial wastewaters in the world.

Waste Generation per 1 Ton of Crude Palm Oil

Crude Palm Oil Output     : 1.0 ton

POME Generated            : 2.5–3.5 tons (or m³)

Solid Biomass Waste        : 0.3–0.5 tons (fiber, shells, EFB)

Scale of the Palm Oil Wastewater Challenge

2. WHY POME IS EXTREMELY POLLUTING

Raw POME is hot, acidic, and rich in organic matter. 

Typical Raw POME Characteristics

BOD: 20,000–30,000 mg/L 

COD: 30,000–50,000 mg/L

pH: 3.8–4.5 (acidic) 

Temperature: 80–90°C Total solids: 4–5%

Pollution Strength Comparison (BOD) 

Raw POME : 20,000–30,000 mg/L 

Municipal Sewage : ~300 mg/L

Clean River Class II : < 3 mg/L

Raw POME can be 100×–10,000× stronger than domestic sewage.

3. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS ON RIVERS 

3.1 Oxygen Depletion : Organic matter decomposition consumes dissolved oxygen, leading to fish kills and ecosystem collapse.

3.2 Toxic Byproducts : Decomposition releases methane, ammonia, and hydrogen sulfide, degrading water quality and harming aquatic life. 

3.3 Sedimentation : Suspended solids settle on riverbeds, smother habitats and block sunlight, disrupting photosynthesis. 

4. JOHOR RIVER CASE: Socioeconomic and Strategic Impact 

Johor River is a strategic water source for Johor and Singapore. Pollution incidents have caused severe turbidity spikes and water treatment disruptions. 

Impact Indicators Turbidity spike recorded: up to ~37,000 NTU versus normal ~400 NTU,

Water treatment disruptions affecting up to millions of residents and industries.

 

Turbidity Spike Comparison Normal Level : 400 NTU

Historical Peaks : 5,000 NTU Crisis Event : 37,000 NTU

5. ROOT CAUSE ANALYSIS OF PALM OIL RIVER POLLUTION

• Technical Failures
• Effluent pipeline rupture 
• Pond embankment collapse 
• Overflow during extreme rainfall 
• Operational Failures Pump and instrumentation failure 
• Overloaded treatment ponds
• Lack of redundancy and alarms
• Economic & Governance Drivers
• Cost-cutting on upgrades 
• Production pressure 
• Historically low penalties 

6. GOVERNANCE AND REGULATORY CHALLENGES 

• Large number of mills in remote locations,
• Historically weak penalties relative to upgrade costs,
• Political and economic sensitivity of palm oil sector,
• Monitoring difficulties during rain and night operations 

7. WHY JOHOR IS A STRATEGIC WATER SECURITY BASIN

• Supplies domestic and industrial water to Johor and Singapore
• Critical for Iskandar Malaysia and regional economic growth
• Pollution events have cross-border geopolitical implications

8. THE SUSTAINABILITY PARADOX OF PALM OIL 

Palm oil is promoted as a sustainable crop, but real sustainability depends on industrial wastewater governance, not just plantation efficiency. 

9. ENGINEERING AND POLICY SOLUTIONS

Engineering Solutions 

• Covered anaerobic digesters with biogas capture
• Zero-liquid-discharge systems
• Real-time sensors and AI-based alarms
• Mandatory independent structural audits of effluent ponds 

Governance and Policy Solutions 

• Escalating penalties linked to company revenue
• Mandatory ESG disclosure of POME discharge data
• National River Basin Authorities for strategic basins 
• Public pollution disclosure dashboards ,

10. POLICY RECOMMENDATIONS 

• Environmental liability reform linking penalties to annual turnover, 
• mandatory industrial ESG and wastewater reporting and
• national integrated river basin governance framework 
• Carbon credit incentives for methane capture from POME Johor State Level Gazette Johor River as a Strategic Protected Water Source 
• Mandatory third-party structural audits of effluent systems every 3–5 years
• Real-time public water quality dashboard (turbidity, ammonia, BOD)
• Joint Malaysia–Singapore water security task force and early-warning system

11. CONCLUSIONS

Palm oil river pollution is rarely purely accidental or malicious. It reflects systemic engineering, economic, and governance failures. With modern technology and strong enforcement, palm oil can be produced with near-zero pollution. Johor’s incidents should serve as a catalyst for basin-wide reform and recognition of water security as national security.

 

Rethinking the Ringgit: Pegging to Precious Metals, the Renminbi, and Malaysia’s Strategic Role in a Multipolar World - By Nik Zafri

The Malaysian Ringgit (RM) currently operates under a managed floating system with selective intervention, while the US Dollar (USD) dominates global trade and foreign reserves.

With growing instability in the USD rising inflation, national debt, and geopolitical tensions, Malaysia could explore alternative benchmarks for its currency. One proposal is pegging or benchmarking the RM to precious metals such as gold, silver, or platinum, or to the Chinese Renminbi (RMB). Beyond currency considerations, Malaysia’s oil and rare earth resources, along with its geopolitical positioning in BRICS and APEC, could play a strategic role in shaping its economic future.

1.0 Benchmarking RM to Precious Metals

2.0 Benchmarking RM to the Renminbi (RMB)

3.0 Hybrid Approach: Precious Metals + RMB

A basket peg (e.g., 50% gold, 50% RMB) could provide:

• Balanced value: Combining intrinsic value from gold with trade alignment from RMB,

• Diversified risk: Reduces reliance on a single currency while maintaining credibility.

Challenges:

• Requires sophisticated central bank management to maintain peg stability and liquidity,

• Complexity in reserve allocation between precious metals and foreign currency.

4.0 Strategic Role of Oil and Rare Earths

Malaysia’s natural resources could support a new RM benchmark:

Oil: 

• As a net oil exporter, Malaysia earns substantial USD revenue, which can support foreign reserves for a hybrid or metal-backed peg,

• Stabilizes domestic fuel pricing under a new benchmark, aiding inflation control.

Rare Earths:

• High-value rare earth exports for electronics, EVs, and green technology provide strategic foreign income,

• Alignment with RMB trade could reduce FX risk if RM is partially pegged to Renminbi.

• Global demand for rare earths strengthens Malaysia’s reserve position, supporting currency stability.

Together, these commodities provide a natural anchor for the Ringgit, offering resilience even amid USD volatility.

5.0 Geopolitical Considerations: BRICS, Troika, and APEC

BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, plus expansion):

• Provides trade diversification and alternative financial systems reducing USD dependence, 

• Malaysia could access BRICS development bank financing and participate in alternative trade settlements,

• Strengthened ties give Malaysia more autonomy from Western-dominated financial systems, enhancing strategic leverage.

Troika (EU + US + IMF):

• Malaysia must balance engagement with BRICS while maintaining access to global credit markets,

• Continued partial USD reserves ensure flexibility and credibility in global finance,

• Strategic hedging allows Malaysia to benefit from multipolar systems without full detachment from Western institutions.

APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation):

• Malaysia could act as a bridge between BRICS and traditional USD-aligned economies,

• Could promote multipolar currency discussions and alternative payment systems,

• Strategic resource exports (oil, rare earths) enhance Malaysia’s bargaining power within APEC.

6.0 Broader Economic Implications

• Stability in trade pricing: Reduces reliance on USD fluctuations,

• Attraction of alternative investors: RM-linked assets may appeal to investors wary of USD inflation,

• Monetary discipline: Precious metal or hybrid benchmarks limit excessive money printing,

• Geopolitical flexibility: Strengthens Malaysia’s position in Asia-Pacific while diversifying financial partnerships.

Risks:

• Liquidity and reserve management complexities,

• Reduced central bank flexibility during recessions or crises,

• Market perception challenges if currency benchmarks change suddenly.

Conclusion

Pegging the Ringgit to precious metals, the Renminbi, or a hybrid of both could offer Malaysia greater financial stability, reduced USD dependence, and enhanced geopolitical leverage. Coupled with strategic natural resources like oil and rare earths, Malaysia could strengthen its position in both BRICS and APEC frameworks, potentially acting as a regional bridge between multipolar financial systems. However, careful management is essential to mitigate risks, maintain market confidence, and preserve monetary flexibility in an increasingly complex global economic landscape.

MY SUPPORT TO MACC

I fully support the MACC’s actions, in collaboration with various enforcement agencies, financial institutions, the Securities Commission, Companies Commission, Registrar of Societies, and other relevant authorities, in taking action against high-profile individuals involved in large-scale corruption and money laundering.

MACC must remain impartial and courageous in carrying out its mandate. No one should be above the law, including those who attempt to rebrand themselves from “giver” to “whistleblower” to seek leniency. Justice must be consistent, transparent, and uncompromising. Strong and decisive enforcement builds investor confidence and reinforces national and institutional credibility.

I hope MACC will continue its mission without fear or favour, supported by strong political will, institutional integrity, and the trust of the public. Transparency and accountability are fundamental pillars of national resilience, governance stability, and sustainable development. Sustainable governance demands zero tolerance for systemic corruption.

Getting rich quickly through abuse of power is an injustice to ordinary people like us especially the general workers, drivers, junior clerks, office assistants and many more who earn a living through hard work, blood, sweat, and tears. Corruption is not merely a legal violation, it is a profound moral and societal failure that erodes trust and weakens social cohesion. True wealth should be built on integrity, innovation, and contribution not exploitation.

Soil and Pile Testing: Engineering Calculations, Design Logic, and Corrective Piling Decisions

 

Acknowledgement : This article is based on an actual case study conducted in March 2024, for a project in which the building has since been successfully completed. The author would like to express sincere appreciation to the QHSEL Principal C & S for providing technical review and validation of the content presented in this article. The author also acknowledges the contributions of the former project team, including the Consultants, Geotechnical Engineer, Design Engineer, and the QA/QC and Safety Team, whose technical input and professional engagement were invaluable to this article. Gratitude is also extended to the former Client for their cooperation and permission to reference project information in an anonymised "academic" context. The insights and experiences derived from this project have significantly contributed to the technical discussions and conclusions presented in this article.

(Includes a special topic : HOW AIR RECONNAISSANCE, SCADA AND DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES ENHANCE GEOTECHNICAL AND PILING PRACTICE)

INTRODUCTION

Soil and pile testing form the backbone of foundation engineering - the first line of defence. Before a single pile is installed, engineers must understand soil stratigraphy, strength, stiffness, and bearing capacity to design safe and economical foundations. These parameters guide the selection of pile type (bored, driven, micropile) and ensure piles terminate in competent strata.

Failure to interpret or act on these results often leads to pile failure, excessive settlement, cost overruns, and NCR issuance.

Tests such as Standard Penetration Test (SPT), Cone Penetration Test (CPT), and Plate Load Test (PLT) provide soil parameters, while Pile Integrity Test (PIT), Dynamic Load Test (PDA), and Static Load Test (SLT) verify pile performance.

When pile tests fail, engineering judgment supported by soil data allows piles to be relocated, redesigned, or replaced to ensure structural stability.

1. SOIL TESTS AND ENGINEERING PARAMETERS

1.1 Standard Penetration Test (SPT) - SPT provides N-values, which correlate to soil strength parameters.

1.2 Cone Penetration Test (CPT)

1.3 Plate Load Test (PLT)

Used to determine allowable bearing pressure:

2. PILE CAPACITY ENGINEERING CALCULATIONS

Pile capacity consists of shaft friction + end bearing:

2.2 End Bearing Capacity

3. GUIDE

4. PILE TESTING FOR VERIFICATION

Pile Integrity Test (PIT) detects defects:

• Necking,

• Voids,

• Cracks,

• Contamination

Dynamic Load Test (PDA) - capacity estimation using wave equation:

Static Load Test (SLT) - direct measurement of load-settlement curve. Ultimate capacity determined when:

5. WHEN PILE TESTS FAIL : ENGINEERING CORRECTIVE ACTIONS

Common Failure Causes :

• Pile toe not reaching competent layer,

• Weak soil underestimated,

• Construction defects,

• Insufficient pile diameter/length,

• Poor shaft friction

5.1 When Soil Fails: Pile Relocation Strategy

Weak soil lenses, cavities, or peat layers may cause pile refusal or unacceptable settlement.

Engineering response includes:

• Shifting pile to adjacent competent zone,

• Increasing pile length to deeper strata,

• Switching pile type (e.g., bored to micropile)

• Ground improvement (jet grouting, vibro replacement)

Diagram: Pile Relocation Due to Weak Soil Zone

6. WHY IT MATTERS TO CONDUCT TESTS

7. BRIEF CASE STUDY - NCR FOR FAILED PILING

• Non-Conformance Report (NCR),

• Project: Highway Interchange Bridge,

• Work Section: Foundation – Bored Piles

Description of Non-Conformance

Static Load Test on Pile BP-23 indicated excessive settlement of 25 mm at 1.0 × Working Load, exceeding the allowable 10 mm. CPT results revealed a soft clay lens between 12 m and 18 m depth, which was not reflected in the preliminary borehole logs.

Root Cause Analysis

• Insufficient borehole spacing missed weak soil lens,

• CPT was not conducted in pile group zone,

• Design assumed uniform stiff clay layer.

Corrective Action

• Shift pile group by 3 m to competent strata,

• Increase pile length from 20 m to 28 m for critical piles,

• Conduct additional CPT grid testing.

Preventive Action

• Mandate CPT for all bridge pier zones,

• Update Geotechnical Baseline Report (GBR),

• Revise pile design methodology with probabilistic soil modelling.

Risk Register Update

8. REFERENCE STANDARDS/REGULATORY FRAMEWORK (Malaysia & International)

Soil investigation, pile design, and pile testing in Malaysia are governed by a combination of national standards, Public Works Department (JKR) specifications, British Standards (BS), and Eurocode 7 (MS EN Eurocode).

8.1 Malaysian Public Works Department (JKR) Specifications

• JKR Standard Specification for Building Works (JKR 20800 Series),

• Requirements for site investigation, piling works, and quality control,

• Mandatory testing regimes for SPT, CPT, and pile load testing,

• Acceptance criteria for pile integrity and load test results

8.1.1 JKR Arahan Teknik (Jalan) – Road and Bridge Works

• Governs geotechnical investigation for highway and bridge foundations,

• Requires minimum borehole spacing, CPT profiling, and geotechnical reporting,

• Specifies pile design verification and redundancy in critical structures

8.2 Malaysian Standards (MS EN)

Malaysia adopts Eurocode through MS EN series, issued by Department of Standards Malaysia (DSM).

MS EN 1997-1:2010 – Eurocode 7: Geotechnical Design – Part 1

• Design of foundations and piles,

• Partial factor method for bearing capacity and pile resistance,

• Ultimate Limit State (ULS) and Serviceability Limit State (SLS) checks

MS EN 1997-2:2010 – Eurocode 7: Geotechnical Design – Part 2

• Ground investigation and testing,

• SPT, CPT, PLT procedures and interpretation,

• Requirements for Geotechnical Design Report (GDR)

8.3 British Standards (Legacy but Still Widely Used)

Although Eurocode is adopted, BS codes remain widely referenced in Malaysia, especially in contractual documents.

BS 5930 – Code of Practice for Ground Investigations

• Borehole drilling, sampling, logging,

• Laboratory and in-situ testing procedures

BS 8004 – Code of Practice for Foundations

• Pile design methods,

• Allowable bearing capacity and settlement criteria

BS 1377 – Methods of Test for Soils

• Laboratory soil testing (Atterberg limits, shear strength, compaction, etc.)

8.4 International Pile Testing Standards

ASTM D1143 / D1194 – Static Pile Load Testing

• Procedures for compression, tension, and lateral load tests

ASTM D4945 – Dynamic Pile Testing (PDA)

• Wave equation-based pile capacity evaluation

ASTM D5882 – Pile Integrity Testing (Low-Strain PIT)

• Non-destructive integrity assessment

8.5 Governance and Professional Accountability Context

Under Malaysian practice, geotechnical investigation and piling design are Professional Engineer (Ir.) responsibilities, governed by:

• Board of Engineers Malaysia (BEM),

• Engineers Act 1967

• Code of Professional Conduct

Failure to comply with JKR, MS EN, or BS standards may result in:,

NCR issuance, Professional negligence claims, Contractual disputes and LAD exposure, Regulatory enforcement

Soil investigation standards such as JKR, MS EN Eurocode 7, and BS codes are not academic references - they are contractual and legal instruments. Pile testing validates assumptions, while NCRs document governance gaps. In foundation engineering, compliance is not paperwork; it is structural survival.

9. SPECIAL ADDITIONAL TOPIC :

HOW AIR RECONNAISSANCE, SCADA AND DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES ENHANCE GEOTECHNICAL AND PILING PRACTICE

9.1 Air Reconnaissance (Drones & Aerial Survey) in Geotechnical Engineering

9.2 Applications

Air reconnaissance using UAVs (drones), photogrammetry, and LiDAR provides:

• High-resolution topographic mapping,

• Detection of soft ground, ponding, peat zones, and subsidence,

• Monitoring of site drainage, earthworks stability, and slope failures,

• Verification of pile location, pile caps, and structural alignment

9.3 Role in Piling and Soil Risk

In piling works, drones help to :

• Identify weak ground zones (peat, reclaimed land, fill materials) before piling,

• Detect ground settlement or heave after piling,

• Monitor pile platform stability and working platform failures

• Verify pile layout deviations and relocation decisions

In large infrastructure projects, aerial mapping often reveals geotechnical risks missed by sparse boreholes.

9.4 SCADA and Instrumentation in Geotechnical Monitoring

9.5 What is SCADA in Construction?

SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) integrates sensors, data loggers, and dashboards to monitor real-time geotechnical and structural performance.

9.5.1 Typical Geotechnical SCADA Instruments

• Piezometers – groundwater level,

• Inclinometers – lateral soil movement,

• Settlement plates/extensometers – vertical settlement,

• Strain gauges on piles – load distribution,

• Load cells and tilt sensors on structures

9.5.2 How SCADA Helps in Piling

SCADA enables:

• Real-time pile load and settlement monitoring during load tests,

• Early warning of excessive settlement or lateral movement,

• Verification of design assumptions vs actual field behaviour,

• Automated alarms when thresholds are exceeded

This transforms geotechnical design from assumption-based to performance-based engineering.

9.6 Other Digital Technologies in Geotechnical and Piling Works

9.6.1 Building Information Modelling (BIM) for Geotechnics

• 3D subsurface modelling (soil layers, pile groups),

• Clash detection between piles and underground utilities,

• Digital twin of foundation systems

9.6.2 AI and Data Analytics

• Predictive models for pile capacity and settlement,

• Pattern recognition for NCR risk trends,

• Optimisation of pile length and layout to reduce cost

9.6.4 IoT-Based Smart Construction

• Smart sensors embedded in piles and soil,

• Wireless data transmission to dashboards,

• Automated compliance documentation

9.6.7 Role in NCR Prevention and Risk Governance

• Antemortem (Preventive) Controls,,

• Drone surveys detect weak zones before piling,

• SCADA baseline monitoring before excavation,

• BIM geotechnical models identify pile conflicts,

9.7 Postmortem (Corrective) Controls

• SCADA logs provide forensic evidence in disputes,

• Drone records verify ground changes and workmanship,

• Digital records support NCR root cause analysis

9.8 Engineering Governance Insight

• Traditional geotechnical investigation is point-based (boreholes and CPT),

• Modern technologies transform it into continuous spatial intelligence.

9.8 Strategic Insight for Mega Projects

In highways, bridges, and high-rise developments, technology integration reduces geotechnical uncertainty, which is the largest uncontrollable risk in construction.

In geotechnics, uncertainty is inevitable. Technology converts uncertainty into measurable risk.

Air reconnaissance, SCADA, BIM, and AI are no longer “nice-to-have” tools. They are engineering governance instruments. The future of foundation engineering is not just deeper piles but deeper data intelligence.