Factory told to stop work for turning Sg Simin blue
SEREMBAN: A factory at Taman Tuanku Ja’afar Industrial Park in Senawang here has been ordered to cease operations after a river turned blue due to suspected “plastic washing” at the premises.
Natural Resources and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar said the order was issued through the state Department of Environment (DOE) under Section 31 of the Environmental Quality Act 1974.
“The (factory) is not allowed to conduct any activity until cleaning at affected areas is done.
“The ministry is looking into this seriously. Based on reports and inspections by the state DOE, we find that the complaint on the river is justified.
“The change in colour of Sungai Simin was caused by plastic recycling at the premises, which has been operating for 15 years.”
He said following the discovery of the pollution, an investigation was conducted at the premises on Jan 23, and all items and substances believed to have caused the pollution were gathered and kept under guard at the factory.
“I have instructed all state DOE directors to enhance enforcement to ensure such an incident does not recur.
“The ministry, through DOE, will take stern action against any individual or company found guilty of polluting the environment, in accordance with the Environmental Quality Act 1974.”