KULIM: The Department of Environment (DoE) has slapped a stop-work order on three waste recovery facilities in Padang Meha Industrial Area here for violation of the department's regulations.

Its state director Sharifah Zakiah Syed Sahab said that the facilities involved in the collection and processing of scheduled waste from production premises were required to transport non-recyclable residue to licensed disposal sites.

"Enforcement actions against these three sites include three warning notifications, fines for failing to label scheduled waste, and three operations suspension orders.

"Two investigation papers were also opened under Section 16(1) and Section 18 of the Environmental Quality Act 1974 and its regulations.

"If convicted, the offence could incur fines not exceeding RM25,000 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years or both, with an additional fine of RM1,000 for each day the offense is committed," she said during a press conference after leading Ops Gempur Patuh at Padang Meha Industrial Area here today.

Sharifah Zakiah said that the operations were aimed at ensuring continuous compliance of such facilities with the Environmental Quality Act 1974 and its regulations.

She said that records showed a total of 34 industrial premises in the Padang Meha Industrial Area, of which seven were designated premises for scheduled waste processing.

"Only compliant premises are considered for licence renewal. The proper recovery of scheduled waste is crucial in supporting effective recycling practices.

"By implementing these measures, it can reduce the amount of waste ending up in landfills and alleviate environmental pressures," she added.

Commenting further, she assured that the department was committed to enforcing and monitoring environmental quality by continuing the implementation of Ops Gempur Patuh.

"The concept of urban mining needs to be promoted to safeguard the environment and conserve resources. Waste generators are encouraged to conduct compliance audits on recovery premises that receive their waste.

"The public is also encouraged to report environmental pollution activities to the DoE," she added.

https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2024/04/1044182/doe-issues-stop-work-order-3-waste-recovery-facilities-kulim