A CHARCOAL factory in the Kubang Pasu district has been slapped with an Equipment Operation Detention (POK) order by the Department of Environment (DOE) for causing air pollution and creating a public nuisance.
Kedah DOE director, Sharifah Zakiah Syed Sahab, said the action was taken under Section 38(1)(a) of the Environmental Quality Act 1974 following a complaint lodged last Friday regarding air pollution originating from the facility.
“Our investigation found the complaint to be valid. The factory was penalised for operating without a chimney unit and air pollution control equipment during its coconut shell burning process,” she said in a statement issued today.
She explained that immediate action could not be taken during the initial inspection as the equipment in question was still hot, posing a safety risk to enforcement officers.
The factory has now been instructed to suspend all operations to facilitate urgent corrective measures and the installation of appropriate pollution control systems.
“A notice under Sections 31 and 37 of the Environmental Quality Act 1974 has been issued to the factory, requiring immediate repair and maintenance work during the POK enforcement period. The factory will only be permitted to resume operations once the Kedah DOE is satisfied with the corrective actions taken,” she added.
The DOE has reminded industry players to ensure full compliance with the Environmental Quality Act 1974 and its regulations at all times to avoid contributing to environmental degradation.
The public is also encouraged to report any environmentally harmful activities by calling the DOE’s toll-free line at 1-800-88-2727, sending an email to [email protected], or lodging a report via the department’s online complaint portal at https://eaduan.doe.gov.my. - April 20, 2025
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