IPOH – The state Environment Department has sealed the processing system of a ceramic factory in Sitiawan believed to have released untreated effluent into a public drain at the Kg Acheh Industrial Area last night.
State department director, Rosli Zul, said the offence was detected through Ops Teras conducted by the department’s Teluk Intan branch from 9.30pm to 1am.
“We have sealed the ceramic factory’s equipment as it is believed to have released untreated effluent into a public drain, which could have an adverse impact on the quality of water.
“It could also affect aquatic life and cause sedimentation at the base of the water, and eventually the effluent will enter the nearby river.”
Rosli said the department has issued an order to the factory, and will prepare an investigation paper for prosecution under the Environmental Quality Act 1974 after receiving results from the Chemistry Department.
He said the department’s director-general, Norlin Jaafar, also took part in the operation to detect factories releasing untreated effluent into public bodies of water. – Bernama, January 31, 2021
