GEORGE TOWN – The Penang Environment Department (DoE) here, had discovered an illegal dumpsite following their investigations into open burning activities in the middle of the paddy fields in Kubang Semang on the mainland.
State DoE director Sharifah Zakiah Syed Sahab said investigations revealed that the site has been used as an illegal dumpsite for solid waste, construction waste and suspected scheduled waste in the middle of the paddy fields.
“Further investigations at the dumpsite revealed that there were approximately thirty jumbo-sized bags containing industrial and construction waste that had been illegally disposed of near an open burning site.
“The 0.8ha site, which was a paddy field before, was found to be covered with construction waste.
“The site has been seized and security barrier lines have been installed to prevent any encroachment.
“We have also collected samples of waste from the site and sent it to the chemistry department for analysis,” she said in a statement issued today.
In subsequent follow-up operations, Sharifah said DoE has conducted investigations into several premises in the state and has managed to identify the premises where the waste had originated from.
Sharifah added that DoE has also identified several relevant parties, including the landowners, tenants and several other parties who are allegedly involved in creating the dumpsite.
“All parties involved have been called to provide their statements and are subject to further investigations.
“The case was not disclosed in advance to allow a thorough investigation to be carried out.
“Through discussions with the parties involved, the owners of the manufacturing premises as well as the tenant have agreed to bear the cost of cleaning and disposal as well as other related costs.
“All waste that has been contaminated with scheduled waste will be sent to the final landfill of scheduled waste at Kualiti Alam Sdn Bhd for disposal.
“As for ordinary solid waste, landowners have been instructed to dispose of the waste at the Sg Burung solid waste landfill,” she added.
Sharifah said the Seberang Perai City Council has been informed of the illegal landfill through a letter on February 23.
She added the owners of the premises have also cooperated with DoE to appoint Syarikat Kualiti Alam Sdn. Bhd to manage all cleaning and disposal works, which is categorised as scheduled waste category SW 204 and SW408.
“The cleaning works started today, and it is expected to be completed in seven days. The initial estimate of the disposal cost is around RM500,000.
“However, the cost could increase if more waste is found when an excavation is done.
“Following the incident, state DoE has started an investigation into the illegal disposal case under Section 34B, Environmental Quality Act 1974, which carries a maximum sentence of RM500,000 and mandatory imprisonment not exceeding 5 years and Section 24B, which carries a maximum sentence. RM100,000 and or five years imprisonment.”
She said based on DoE’s investigations, it was found that the landowners and tenants had reclaimed the land used for waste, for the purpose of building construction without approval from the local authorities.
The DoE, she said, reminded the industries to comply with the Environmental Quality Act 1974, including issues related to scheduled waste management.
“The manufacturers are responsible for ensuring that all waste is sent only to the premises licensed by DoE and check each delivery to ensure that the waste arrives at the proper premises.”
Sharifah said landowners were also reminded that they can be subject to legal action under Section 34B, which carries a maximum penalty of RM500,000 and mandatory imprisonment if illegal disposal of scheduled waste takes place at the site.
She added that open burning activities on site can also lead to prosecution under Section 29A, Environmental Quality Act, 1974, which carries a maximum sentence of RM500,000 and/or five years imprisonment. – The Vibes, March 9, 2022
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