KAPAR, Nov 16 — The Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change Ministry (NRECC) is investigating the source of the oil pollution and foul stench baffling the estimated 6,000 residents living near an industrial zone since last month.
Its minister, Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, said initial investigations via the Environment Department (DOE) found engine oil stains in the 9.7-hectare industrial site, which is not the owner’s doing.
A directive notice was issued under Sections 31 and 37 of the Environmental Quality Act 1974, ordering the land owner to immediately clean up the area and dispose of the waste material at a DOE-licensed premises.
“Under Section 31, an offender is liable to a fine of up to RM25,000, up to two years imprisonment, or both. They are also liable to a further fine not exceeding RM1,000 a day for every day the offence is continued after the notice is served.
“Section 37 provides for a fine not exceeding RM2,000, or imprisonment up to six months, or both upon conviction,” he told the press after surveying the polluted area today.
Nik Nazmi added the land owner has started the cleanup, which is expected to be completed at the latest by tomorrow.
Yet he did not rule out the possibility that certain syndicates are involved in the incident, which must be resolved through an integrated effort by all parties, including the police and local authorities.
Between January 1 and yesterday, the DOE recorded 178 complaints related to environmental pollution in the Kapar Parliamentary constituency.
“Of that figure, 136 complaints were related to air pollution, 12 scheduled waste, eight water, seven sound, and 15 disturbances and rubbish.
“The NRECC, through the DOE, is committed to tackling any pollution issue, and we urge the public to report such activities,” Nik Nazmi said.
Earlier, the media had reported that residents in the area were affected by engine oil waste dumped on the yet-to-be-developed factory site.
— Bernama
