DOE vows stronger enforcement following EAIC report findings
While the EAIC found that all enforcement actions by Johor DOE were carried out in accordance with the law and standard procedures, the department has acknowledged the need for further improvements.
'Although the report concluded there was no wrongdoing, we believe there is always room for improvement, particularly in strengthening compliance and enforcement,' DOE director-general Datuk Wan Abdul Latiff Wan Jaffar (pic) in a statement on Saturday (July 19).
The EAIC's report, dated July 18 confirmed that all premises in question held valid licenses from DOE and local authorities and operations were conducted within approved industrial zones.
"No evidence of officer misconduct or corruption was found, a finding corroborated by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).
'We welcome the EAIC's findings and take them seriously as part of our ongoing efforts to maintain transparency and uphold public trust,' said Wan Abdul Latiff.
To address public concerns and strengthen enforcement capacity, the DOE announced a four-pronged approach, which includes stricter measures for repeat offenders.
The department will also impose harsher penalties on facilities including taking court action.
"Secondly, standardisation and training of revised standard operating procedures (SOPs) have been issued to ensure consistency nationwide.
"Third would be tighter control over compound procedures by improving guidelines and lastly the delegation of authority under a single order.
Wan Abdul Latiff said Environmental Quality Order (Delegation of Authority to Government Departments, Local Authorities, and Corporations) 2025, has been gazetted to enhance operational efficiency.
It came into effect on July 8, 2025.
'This new delegation order strengthens cooperation with other agencies and ensures that enforcement efforts are better coordinated and more effective,' he added.
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