Penang factory fined RM18,000 for dumping waste into Sg Prai

PRAI – A food processing factory was slapped with a RM18,000 fine by the Penang Environment Department (DoE) for discharging effluent into Sg Prai. 

The incident allegedly caused water pollution and the death of thousands of fish in Sg Prai last week.

Penang DoE director Sharifah Zakiah Syed Sahab said in her statement that investigations revealed that the pollution was due to the manufacturing process and laundry activities from one of the food-based factories in the Prai area.

“We have issued instructions to the factory to cease all effluent emissions into Sg Prai immediately. 

“A compound has been issued to the factory under the Environmental Quality (Industrial Effluent) Regulations 2009,” she said.

Sharifah Zakiah said that they had also issued a Notice of Instruction under Sections 31 and 37 of the Environmental Quality Act 1974 so that the factory would take control measures to prevent untreated effluent from being discharged into Sg Prai before it was allowed to operate again.

“We will continue to patrol and monitor the area,” she added.

Sharifah Zakiah expressed her appreciation to the public for reporting cases of pollution.

Any complaints can be made directly via DoE’s toll-free line at 1-800-88-2727, e-mail to [email protected], or through the department’s e-complaint portal. – The Vibes, February 17, 2021