Culprits identified
Corrupt officers see no evil as environment is being ravaged
Corrupt enforcement officers blamed for destroying the environment.
PETALING JAYA: They are supposed to be guardians of the environment, and yet “certain enforcement officers” are found to be tolerating illegal activities that are detrimental to nature – all for personal gain.
Pollution and unauthorised felling of trees, for instance, could be traced to those working in cahoots with the culprits, according to sources.
Several recent cases such as the illegal bauxite mining in Kuantan, flash floods in Cameron Highlands and the illegal sawdust factory in Kampung Sungai Lembu, Penanti, Butterworth, were all linked to abuse of power and corruption.
“Some of them are more inclined to soliciting and receiving monetary gains in lieu of their responsibilities in protecting the natural surroundings.
“As a result, it has created greater problems to the fragile environment at the expense of future generations,” said a source.
The source added that stern action needed to be meted out against these irresponsible officers in order to put a stop to the wanton destruction.
If nothing was done, it could lead to adverse effects to the people in terms of public health and safety, the source said.
“All enforcement agencies tasked to preserve the environment must be serious in discharging their duties diligently.
“In this regard, the Malaysian AntiCorruption Commission (MACC) has done its part to send out a stern warning with numerous arrests and prosecutions in court,” the source said.
Over the past few months, scores of enforcement officers including those from the Customs, Land Office and local councils were nabbed on suspicion of receiving bribes to turn a blind eye on illegal activities detrimental to the environment.
The MACC also held several dialogues with NGOs and environmental groups through an Environmental Protection and AntiCorruption Caucus to share information on corruption issues.
With this strategic collaboration, illegal activities such as illegal logging, river pollution and clearing of land could be prevented from recurring.