GEORGE TOWN – A Bukit Minyak industrial company has been fined RM642,000 and its operation license suspended after being found guilty of dumping oil waste oil into public drainage, resulting in black sludge clogging up the pipes.
The company was instructed to clean up the drains as well.
A public complaint about a foul odour was made at midnight April 30 to the Environment Department (DoE), prompting officials to investigate the matter.
The DoE today said the pollution was caused by one of the scheduled waste recovery companies carrying out oil waste processing activities. The company did not have proper waste storage and placed them in open areas, resulting in the discharge of oil wastes into public drains.
The company failed to comply with the conditions of its licence stipulated under Section 16, Environmental Quality Act 1974. The action to suspend the license is under Regulation 4, Environmental Quality (Licensing) Regulations 1977, which states that if the holder of a licence fails to comply with any term or condition of the license, it can be revoked or suspended for a period seen fit.
It was topped off with 321 compounds amounting to RM642,000 for failing to comply with legal provisions under the Environmental Quality (Scheduled Waste) Regulations 2005.
In a statement today, the DoE warned all parties to take compliance with all legal provisions related to scheduled waste management seriously. This includes waste producers (WG), contractors (transporters), and scheduled waste processing facilities (receivers).
“Any failure will be subject to strict legal action without any compromise as this pollution not only endangers the environment but also threatens the safety of other factories and nearby residents,” said Penang DoE director Sharifah Zakiah Syed Sahab.
“Improper storage of hazardous materials can carry a variety of risks. The storage of scheduled wastes – such as oil wastes and volatile solvents – does not cause pollution but presents fire risks under scorching hot weather that makes it easy to spread to other premises.
“Any recalcitrant companies will be subject to stern action including fines, court action, license suspension and cessation of operations,” she said.
Patrolling will also continue during the festive season.
The department also requested the help of members of the public to relay any pollution incidents to the DoE with information, such as precise location, photos, and videos and – if possible – the date of the incident.
“Be our eyes and ears. Report non-compliance. It not only protects the environment but also ensures public safety,” Zakiah said. – The Vibes, May 4, 2021
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