Environment Department to toughen action on repeat offenders, improve SOPs

New Straits Times

19-07-2025

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.