Compliance with environmental law a big challenge – DoE DG

KUCHING: Department of Environment (DoE) directorgeneral Dato Dr Ahmad Kamarulnajuib Che Ibrahim says compliance with provisions of environmental law is a big challenge but one that should be emphasised.

He said this would ensure that incidents of pollution to the environment and potential health issues to human beings could be prevented and avoided in the early stage.

He said every industry player had a role and responsibility to play, and comply with the rules and requirements of environmental legislation of the country. They should also be at the forefront in controlling, managing and ensuring sustainable and holistic environmental management.

“History has produced several black episodes related to accidents and disasters that resulted from the lack of sensitivity and concern for environmental management.

“Among them the 'Love Canal' incident in New York from 1942 to 1975 and the Minamata incident in Kumamoto, Japan in 1954 that wrote tragic stories and warning to our today's generation.

“Not least is the incidence of environmental management failure in our country such as the potassium chemistry case at Pulau Pangkor in 1995, and the disposal of toxic waste from Taiwan in Johor in 2004,” he said at the closing of the seminar on 'Guided Self Regulation' here yesterday.