EAIC raps Johor DoE over failure to act on repeat environmental breaches
In a statement today, the EAIC said it launched an investigation under Section 17 of the Enforcement Agency Integrity Commission Act 2009 [Act 700] following a complaint alleging that a premises was operating without a valid licence.
"Investigations found that the premises mentioned in the complaint had valid licences to operate. However, the investigation identified several weaknesses in the enforcement actions by the Johor DoE, despite the existence of applicable laws and procedures," the commission said.
Among the enforcement flaws highlighted were ineffective penalties in deterring repeat offences, inconsistent enforcement of guidelines across states and districts, and delays in the implementation of revised new compounds.
"In this regard, the EAIC recommends improvements to enhance enforcement effectiveness, particularly in the Segamat Industrial Area," the statement said.
The commission proposed that the DoE increase the penalty rate for repeat offences, standardise enforcement guidelines at all levels and immediately implement the revised compound on those found to flout the laws.
The EAIC further urged the Johor DoE to take firmer enforcement actions here on.
"The DoE must take firm action against premises that violate environmental laws. Emphasis should be given to repeat offences to prevent any laxity in enforcement," it said.
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