Kedah DOE: Illegal e-waste recycling operations a growing concern
Kedah Environment Department director Sharifah Zakiah Syed Sahab said several premises involved in the illegal processing and disposal of e-waste in the state have already been identified and action taken...
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The Star
2 days ago
- The Star
Over 400 tonnes of used batteries seized from unlicensed waste facility in Kedah
ALOR SETAR: The Kedah Environment Department has taken action against a factory in the Bukit Selambau Industrial Area, Sungai Petani, suspected of conducting unlicensed off-site scheduled waste storage and recovery activities. Its director Sharifah Zakian Syed Sahab said the action was taken during the "Ops Gempur" operation from 9am to 1pm on Tuesday (Aug 5), which revealed the facility was operating without Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) approval or a valid licence. "During the inspection, we found approximately 100 tonnes of used lithium batteries and around 317 tonnes of crushed used batteries, both classified as scheduled waste," she said in a statement on Tuesday. Additionally, about 20 tonnes of recovered metal powder were discovered on site. She said the department seized the factory's production equipment under Section 38(1)(a) of the Environmental Quality Act 1974, as they were being operated without pollution control systems or department approval. Investigations are ongoing under Sections 18(1), 34A(6) and 34B(1) of the same Act. Sharifah Zakian said they would continue to strengthen monitoring and enforcement efforts, particularly targeting illegal waste processing activities that cause environmental pollution and pose public health risks. She urged the public to report any suspected environmental violations via the Environment Department's toll-free hotline at 1-800 88 2727 or online at – Bernama
New Straits Times
2 days ago
- New Straits Times
DoE shuts down illegal waste facility in Bukit Selambau
ALOR STAR: The Department of Environment (DoE) has issued a stop-work order against a factory in the Bukit Selambau industrial area for operating an illegal scheduled waste recovery facility without the required approvals. The enforcement action, carried out yesterday, targeted potential sources of pollution in the Kuala Muda district. Kedah DoE director Sharifah Zakiah Syed Sahab said the factory was found to be conducting off-site recovery of scheduled waste without Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) approval or a licence from the department. "The raid found around 100 metric tonnes of used lithium batteries, 317 metric tonnes of crushed used batteries classified as scheduled waste, and 20 metric tonnes of recovered metal powder stored on-site," she said in a statement today. She said investigations are being conducted under several provisions of the Environmental Quality Act 1974, including for storing and conducting recovery activities involving scheduled waste without proper authorisation. As part of the enforcement, a stop-work order was issued under Section 38(1)(a) of the Act, and machinery used in the facility's operations was seized. The factory was found to be operating without any pollution control measures. "The DoE will continue to intensify monitoring and enforcement to curb illegal scheduled waste recovery activities that endanger the environment and public health," said Sharifah Zakiah. She also urged the public to report any suspicious or polluting activities to the department.
The Star
6 days ago
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Simpang Pulai factory raided, over RM8.5mil in copper, equipment seized
PETALING JAYA: Over RM8.5mil worth of copper materials and machinery were seized, and a local man was arrested during the Ops Hazard enforcement operations in Simpang Pulai. Ulu Kinta, General Operations Force (GOF) Northern Brigade Commander Senior Asst Comm Shahrum Hashim said in a statement on Friday (Aug 1) that the factory was suspected of processing materials intended for export overseas. 'Intelligence units gathered over a month revealed that the illegal activity had been continuing for more than a year. Inspections showed that the factory had been operating without any approval from the Environment Department,' he said. The Northern Brigade Intelligence Branch of the General Operations Force, with support from the Inland Revenue Board of Perak, Batu Gajah Municipal Council, and the Perak Environment Department, took part in the operation from 7.00am to 8.00pm on Friday. According to Shahrum, the case was being investigated under Section 34A and Section 34B of the Environmental Quality Act 1974. 'GOF is actively conducting monitoring and patrols around Perak, Penang, and Kedah to curb illegal activities. The brigade remains committed and consistent in enforcement efforts and will not compromise in upholding the law,' he added. He has urged the public to be the eyes and ears of the authorities by reporting illegal activities to the relevant enforcement agencies.
