Latest news with #KedahDOE
The Sun
21-05-2025
- The Sun
Raid conducted on errant recycling plant
SUNGAI PETANI: A recycling plant in the Gurun Industrial Area that was flouting environmental laws has been raided in a late-night operation by the Kedah Department of Environment (DOE) and police. The raid, that began late on Monday and stretched into the early hours of yesterday, was part of a statewide blitz targeting repeat environmental offenders. Authorities found the facility illegally handling, storing and recovering scheduled waste that included five metric tonnes of used lithium batteries and 26 metric tonnes of mixed electronic waste, without proper approvals or documentation. 'These materials were being processed without the necessary licences,' said Kedah DOE director Sharifah Zakiah Syed Sahab. 'The plant was operating without an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) or authorisation to recover scheduled waste.' The case is being investigated under multiple provisions of the Environmental Quality Act 1974, which governs environmental safety and public health. Among the provisions breached were Section 18(1) for operating without approval (RM25,000 to RM250,000 fine or up to two years' jail), Section 34A(7) for failing to comply with EIA conditions (RM100,000 to RM1 million fine and up to five years' jail) and Section 34B(1) for storing scheduled waste without approval (RM100,000 to RM10 million fine and mandatory five-year prison term). Tools and machinery used to process the batteries and e-waste were also seized. Sharifah said the facility is a known offender with a string of past violations. 'Despite earlier enforcement action and advisory efforts to help them legalise operations, the operator continued with unlawful activities,' she said, adding that five investigation papers have been filed, with one case resulting in a conviction and four others still in progress. She also said illegal waste handling is not confined to Kedah. 'Even with strict laws and heavy penalties, these activities persist, often driven by low awareness and financial greed,' she told theSun. Sharifah added that lithium batteries and e-waste contain toxic elements such as cobalt, lead, cadmium and mercury, which pose serious environmental and health risks if mishandled. 'They can contaminate soil and water, trigger spontaneous fires and release toxic fumes. Health risks include respiratory issues, nerve damage, kidney failure, hormonal disruption and increased cancer risk, especially among vulnerable groups.' The department also urged the public to report any similar illegal activities via its toll-free hotline at 1-800-88-2727 or online at
Daily Express
22-04-2025
- General
- Daily Express
Department of Environment cracks down on Kulim chicken plant over pollution, demands immediate corrective action
Published on: Tuesday, April 22, 2025 Published on: Tue, Apr 22, 2025 By: Bernama Text Size: Kedah DOE director Sharifah Zakiah Syed Sahab said the action was taken under Section 38 (1)(a) of the Environmental Quality Act (EKA) 1974 following a complaint regarding the odour pollution by the factory. — File pic via Malay Mail ALOR SETAR: A chicken processing factory in Kulim was imposed the Equipment Operation Detention (POK) action by the Department of Environment (DOE) last Sunday for causing odour pollution and discomfort to residents in the surrounding area. Kedah DOE director Sharifah Zakiah Syed Sahab said the action was taken under Section 38 (1)(a) of the Environmental Quality Act (EKA) 1974 following a complaint regarding the odour pollution by the factory. She said acting on the complaint, A DOE team went to the factory location and the results of the investigation found that the foul odour pollution was from a pile of chicken slaughter waste and chicken cages kept there. 'The factory was imposed the POK action for failing to provide an industrial effluent treatment system at its premises,' she said in a statement today. Sharifah Zakiah said that with the POK action, the factory is required to take immediate action to stop the pollution. 'A notice under Sections 31 and 37 of the Environmental Quality Act 1974 has been issued to the factory, requiring immediate repair and maintenance work during the POK enforcement period. The factory will only be permitted to resume operations once the Kedah DOE is satisfied with the corrective actions taken. 'The industry is reminded to always comply fully with the Environmental Quality Act 1974 and regulations under it, and to ensure that no environmental pollution is caused,' she added. She also urged the public to report any activities that may harm the environment by calling the DOE's toll-free line at 1-800-88-2727, emailing [email protected], or lodging a report via the DOE's e-complaint portal at * Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss. * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Malay Mail
22-04-2025
- General
- Malay Mail
DOE cracks down on Kulim chicken plant over pollution, demands immediate corrective action
ALOR SETAR, April 22 — A chicken processing factory in Kulim was imposed the Equipment Operation Detention (POK) action by the Department of Environment (DOE) last Sunday for causing odour pollution and discomfort to residents in the surrounding area. Kedah DOE director Sharifah Zakiah Syed Sahab said the action was taken under Section 38 (1)(a) of the Environmental Quality Act (EKA) 1974 following a complaint regarding the odour pollution by the factory. She said acting on the complaint, A DOE team went to the factory location and the results of the investigation found that the foul odour pollution was from a pile of chicken slaughter waste and chicken cages kept there. 'The factory was imposed the POK action for failing to provide an industrial effluent treatment system at its premises,' she said in a statement today. Sharifah Zakiah said that with the POK action, the factory is required to take immediate action to stop the pollution. 'A notice under Sections 31 and 37 of the Environmental Quality Act 1974 has been issued to the factory, requiring immediate repair and maintenance work during the POK enforcement period. The factory will only be permitted to resume operations once the Kedah DOE is satisfied with the corrective actions taken. 'The industry is reminded to always comply fully with the Environmental Quality Act 1974 and regulations under it, and to ensure that no environmental pollution is caused,' she added. She also urged the public to report any activities that may harm the environment by calling the DOE's toll-free line at 1-800-88-2727, emailing [email protected], or lodging a report via the DOE's e-complaint portal at — Bernama
