Polluting factories ordered to stop op
DOE acts following public complaints, poor air quality and alleged violations
SUNGAI PETANI: Three wood-based factories in Bukit Selambau were ordered to stop operations following public complaints of poor air quality in the area.
According to Kedah Department of Environment director Norazizi Adinan, the first premise was found to have been operating without approval from the local authorities.
The factory violated the prohibition order issued by the DOE director-general under the Environmental Quality (Clean Air) Regulations 2014, he said.
“We have forwarded an investigation paper on the matter to the deputy public prosecutor’s office for further action.
“The operation on Monday was a result of intelligence work by the DOE of Sungai Petani branch following public complaints,” he said.
On the same day, Norazizi said the enforcement teams also raided two other factories in the same area and seized operational equipment under Section 38 (a) of the Quality Environmental Act 1974.
“The seizure was carried out to stop the process that causes air pollution, as the factories had failed to install air pollution control systems.
Norazizi added that the seizure was conducted in accordance with the Environmental Quality Regu– lations (Clean Air) 2014.
Those guilty of violating the Environmental Quality Regulations
(Clean Air) 2014 can be punished with a maximum fine of RM100,000 or two years’ jail or both.
Norazizi said the Sungai Petani DOE branch will continue on their rounds and surveillance activities, including using drones to ensure full compliance from factories in the area.
On Sept 14, Environment and Water Minister Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man announced that a special task force would be set up to prevent environmental crimes in the country.
The taskforce will begin operating as early as October, involving the DOE, Water Service Commission (SPAN), Biosafety Department and the police, he said.
Tuan Ibrahim reportedly said the setting up of the task force would boost enforcement actions against polluters.
Meanwhile, state environment committee chairman Dr Robert Ling Kui Ee said action will be taken against factory operators caught polluting the environment in the state.
“We will not compromise against those who breach the standard operating procedure and safety guidelines,” he said.
Dr Ling said industry players should play their roles in protecting the environment and ensure that they follow rules and regulation set by the authorities.