Latest news with #EnvironmentalQuality
New Straits Times
5 days ago
- New Straits Times
Environment Department to toughen action on repeat offenders, improve SOPs
KUALA LUMPUR: Stricter action against repeat environmental offenders and improvements to existing standard operating procedures are among the measures taken by the Environment Department to strengthen environmental enforcement, said its director-general Datuk Wan Abdul Latiff Wan Jaffar. He said this follows recommendations from the Enforcement Agency Integrity Commission (EAIC), which recently highlighted weaknesses in enforcement by the Johor Environment Department involving recycling premises in the Segamat Industrial Area. "While all reported premises were found to have valid licences, the department acknowledges there is still room for improvement," he said in a statement. He said the department will intensify inspections on problematic premises, with a focus on stricter enforcement against repeat offenders. Measures include equipment operation seizure, suspension of licenses and preparation of investigation papers for court action as provided under the Environmental Quality Act 1974 and its related regulations. "The department has also reviewed and enhanced its existing SOPs to ensure uniform implementation at all levels of operation, including state and district offices. "The updated SOPs have been distributed to all department personnel. To ensure proper understanding and implementation, continuous engagement sessions will be held for officers at all levels," he said. Wan Abdul Latiff added that the department has revised its existing compound guidelines to enable more effective and fair enforcement. "Additionally, the issuance of compound offers now requires the approval of the deputy public prosecutor to ensure that the process aligns with legal standards and upholds justice." He said another measure includes the delegation of authority. "A consolidated delegation authority, which combines six existing orders, named Environmental Quality (Delegation of Powers to Government Departments, Local Authorities and Corporations) Order 2025 was gazetted on July 7 and came into effect on July 8. "This delegation of authority is a proactive step to strengthen enforcement by empowering relevant departments and agencies to act more effectively within their jurisdictions." Wan Abdul Latiff said the department is committed to taking proactive measures to address the issues raised, despite the complainant's allegations being unfounded based on several justifications. The justifications include that the department had taken enforcement action against the reported premises in accordance with the law and established SOPs. "A review of related documents confirmed that all the premises involved possess valid licenses from the department and local authorities, as well as operating within approved industrial areas. "Furthermore, there is no solid evidence of misconduct by any Johor Environment Department officers during the enforcement actions under the Environmental Quality Act 1974. "Additionally, the Segamat Branch Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission conducted an investigation and confirmed that no elements of corruption were found and appropriate enforcement measures have been taken by the department." On July 18, EAIC flagged weak enforcement by the Johor Environment Department concerning recycling premises operating in the Segamat Industrial Area. 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.
The Sun
09-07-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Environmental Quality Order 2025 enforcement begins today
KUALA LUMPUR: The Environmental Quality (Delegation of Powers to Government Departments, Local Authorities and Corporations) Order 2025 is now in force after being gazetted yesterday. The Department of Environment (DOE) confirmed the enforcement today, marking a significant step in streamlining environmental protection efforts. DOE director-general Datuk Wan Abdul Latiff Wan Jaffar explained that delegating powers to multiple agencies will enhance efficiency in addressing environmental violations. He cited the success of recent operations, stating, 'The effectiveness of this approach can be seen in the implementation of two series of Op Hazard, where with the cooperation of various departments and agencies, we managed to seize e-waste worth over RM66 million.' The new order consolidates six previous regulations to simplify enforcement and accelerate on-ground actions. Agencies granted authority under the order include the Royal Malaysia Police, Malaysian Armed Forces, Health Ministry, Marine Department, Fisheries Department, Fire and Rescue Department, and selected local authorities and corporations. To ensure smooth implementation, guidelines and specialised training will be provided to all involved agencies. This will clarify their responsibilities and jurisdictional limits, preventing overlaps or gaps in enforcement. - Bernama
Malay Mail
04-07-2025
- Malay Mail
Selangor factory processing scrap metal and e-waste faces RM256,000 fine for multiple environmental offences
SHAH ALAM, July 4 — A factory involved in processing scrap metal and e-waste was fined RM256,000 by the Kuala Selangor Sessions Court yesterday for multiple offences under the Environmental Quality Act 1974. Selangor Department of Environment (DOE) director Wandi Yadzid Yaakob, in a statement, said the court also ordered that the company face 39 months' imprisonment if it fails to pay the fine. The company's director, who represented the firm as the accused, pleaded guilty to five charges under the Environmental Quality Act 1974 and one charge under the Environmental Quality (Clean Air) Regulations 2014. The charges were read before Judge Nurul Mardhiah Mohamed Redza. 'The sentence took into account the public interest, following submissions from both the prosecution and the company's mitigation plea. 'The DOE urged the court to impose a firm sentence to serve as a deterrent and ensure companies uphold environmental laws and safeguard ecological integrity,' said Wandi Yadzid. Wandi Yadzid said investigations revealed the premises was involved in metal recovery activities. Authorities discovered approximately 126 pallets of materials containing printed circuit boards (PCBs), one operational furnace, and four more furnaces still under construction. He added that a chimney structure was also found at the site, but it was not equipped with any air pollution control systems. Wandi urged the company to act responsibly and not compromise environmental sustainability in the pursuit of profit. 'Industrial operators are reminded to strictly comply with the Environmental Quality Act 1974 and its regulations. Non-compliance may lead to prosecution and conviction,' he warned. — Bernama
The Star
04-07-2025
- The Star
Selangor factory fined RM256,000 for illegal e-waste processing
SHAH ALAM: A factory involved in processing scrap metal and e-waste was fined RM256,000 by the Kuala Selangor Sessions Court on Thursday (July 3) for multiple offences under the Environmental Quality Act 1974. Selangor Environment Department (DOE) director Wandi Yadzid Yaakob in a statement said the court also ordered that the company face 39 months' imprisonment if it fails to pay the fine. The company's director, who represented the firm as the accused, pleaded guilty to five charges under the Environmental Quality Act 1974 and one charge under the Environmental Quality (Clean Air) Regulations 2014. The charges were read before Judge Nurul Mardhiah Mohamed Redza. "The sentence took into account the public interest, following submissions from both the prosecution and the company's mitigation plea. "The DOE urged the court to impose a firm sentence to serve as a deterrent and ensure companies uphold environmental laws and safeguard ecological integrity," said Wandi Yadzid. Wandi Yadzid said investigations revealed the premises were involved in metal recovery activities. Authorities discovered approximately 126 pallets of materials containing printed circuit boards (PCBs), one operational furnace, and four more furnaces still under construction. He added that a chimney structure was also found at the site, but it was not equipped with any air pollution control systems. Wandi urged the company to act responsibly and not compromise environmental sustainability in the pursuit of profit. "Industrial operators are reminded to strictly comply with the Environmental Quality Act 1974 and its regulations. Non-compliance may lead to prosecution and conviction," he warned. - Bernama
The Sun
04-07-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Factory fined RM256k for illegal e-waste processing in Selangor
SHAH ALAM: A factory in Kuala Selangor has been fined RM256,000 for illegally processing scrap metal and electronic waste, violating environmental laws. The Kuala Selangor Sessions Court imposed the penalty yesterday after the company pleaded guilty to multiple offences under the Environmental Quality Act 1974 and the Environmental Quality (Clean Air) Regulations 2014. The Selangor Department of Environment (DOE) confirmed that the company's director, representing the firm, admitted to five charges under the Act and one under the Clean Air Regulations. Judge Nurul Mardhiah Mohamed Redza also ruled that the company would face 39 months' imprisonment if it failed to pay the fine. Wandi Yadzid Yaakob, Selangor DOE director, stated that the sentencing considered public interest and aimed to deter future violations. 'The DOE urged the court to impose a firm sentence to ensure companies comply with environmental laws and protect ecological integrity,' he said. Investigations revealed that the factory was conducting metal recovery operations without proper approvals. Authorities found 126 pallets of materials containing printed circuit boards (PCBs), one operational furnace, and four more under construction. A chimney without air pollution control systems was also discovered on-site. Wandi warned industrial operators to adhere strictly to environmental regulations, stressing that non-compliance could lead to legal action. 'Companies must act responsibly and not sacrifice environmental sustainability for profit,' he added. - Bernama
