Latest news with #KedahDepartmentofEnvironment
The Sun
27-05-2025
- The Sun
Illegal e-waste recycling operations a growing concern
ALOR SETAR: The illegal operation of facilities recycling electrical and electronic waste (e-waste) has become an increasingly pressing concern, despite recent amendments to the Environmental Quality Act 1974 that impose stiffer penalties on offenders. Kedah Department of Environment (DOE) 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. 'Some cases have resulted in convictions, while others are still being processed in court. Illegal e-waste operations generate substantial profits, which is why this activity continues to spread, even though the maximum penalty now reaches RM10 million,' she told reporters. Sharifah Zakiah was speaking to reporters after launching the Environmental Management and Compliance Seminar 2025, organised by the department in collaboration with the Kedah Environmental Club (KASKED). The event drew 430 participants, including exhibitors from industry players across the country. She noted that the amendments to the Environmental Quality Act, which came into force on July 7 last year, are aimed in part at curbing the illegal import and smuggling of e-waste into the country. 'If violations are detected involving the import, storage, processing or disposal of e-waste, offenders now face fines of up to RM10 million, compared to RM500,000 previously, and mandatory jail sentences of up to five years,' she said. Sharifah Zakiah also stressed that poor management of industrial and domestic waste could contribute to serious environmental degradation, underscoring the importance of effective environmental governance and strict compliance with laws and regulations. She called for a coordinated, multi-stakeholder approach to pollution control and urged the public to act as the 'eyes and ears' of enforcement agencies by reporting any suspicious activities to facilitate prompt action. 'This isn't just the government's responsibility. It requires the full involvement of all parties, including industry, the community, non-governmental organisations, educational institutions and individuals. 'As development continues to strain environmental sustainability, the media also plays a key role in spreading awareness and encouraging a collective sense of responsibility,' she added. The two-day seminar, which concludes tomorrow, includes presentations on legal compliance, industrial pollution management, environmental monitoring and community engagement in environmental protection.
The Star
27-05-2025
- The Star
Illegal e-waste recycling operations a growing concern, says Kedah DOE
ALOR SETAR: The illegal operation of facilities recycling electrical and electronic waste (e-waste) has become an increasingly pressing concern, despite recent amendments to the Environmental Quality Act 1974 that impose stiffer penalties on offenders. Kedah Department of Environment (DOE) 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. "Some cases have resulted in convictions, while others are still being processed in court. Illegal e-waste operations generate substantial profits, which is why this activity continues to spread, even though the maximum penalty now reaches RM10mil,' she told reporters. Sharifah Zakiah was speaking to reporters after launching the Environmental Management and Compliance Seminar 2025, organised by the department in collaboration with the Kedah Environmental Club (Kasked). The event drew 430 participants, including exhibitors from industry players across the country. She noted that the amendments to the Environmental Quality Act, which came into force on July 7 last year, are aimed in part at curbing the illegal import and smuggling of e-waste into the country. "If violations are detected involving the import, storage, processing or disposal of e-waste, offenders now face fines of up to RM10mil, compared to RM500,000 previously, and mandatory jail sentences of up to five years,' she said. Sharifah Zakiah also stressed that poor management of industrial and domestic waste could contribute to serious environmental degradation, underscoring the importance of effective environmental governance and strict compliance with laws and regulations. She called for a coordinated, multi-stakeholder approach to pollution control and urged the public to act as the 'eyes and ears' of enforcement agencies by reporting any suspicious activities to facilitate prompt action. "This isn't just the government's responsibility. It requires the full involvement of all parties, including industry, the community, non-governmental organisations, educational institutions and individuals. "As development continues to strain environmental sustainability, the media also plays a key role in spreading awareness and encouraging a collective sense of responsibility,' she added. The two-day seminar, which concludes on Wednesday (May 28), includes presentations on legal compliance, industrial pollution management, environmental monitoring and community engagement in environmental protection.- Bernama
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
The Sun
28-04-2025
- General
- The Sun
Poultry processing facility in Kulim ordered to shut down over wastewater pollution, second facility since last week
PETALING JAYA: A poultry processing plant in Kulim, Kedah, was ordered to shut down immediately after failing to install effluent treatment systems to treat wastewater from processing raw poultry. This is the second plant located in the same vicinity ordered to cease operations, the New Straits Times reported. Kedah Department of Environment (DOE) director Sharifah Zakiah Syed Sahab said inspections found that the plant, located in Taman Industri Waja, was discharging untreated waste into the environment. The plant was subsequently issued a notice for equipment operation detention under Section 38(1)(a) of the Environmental Quality Act 1974. 'This was done to immediately halt the ongoing pollution. 'The facility has been ordered to cease operations to allow for remedial measures to be carried out promptly,' she was quoted as saying. Sharifah added that the plant would be allowed to resume operations once the department is satisfied with the measures taken to rectify its wastewater treatment system. It was reported last week that another poultry processing plant, also located in Kulim, was ordered to shut down following complaints from nearby residents about a foul odour. The department's investigation found that the stench was caused by poultry slaughter waste and cages.
The Sun
28-04-2025
- General
- The Sun
Another poultry plant in Kulim ordered to shut down
PETALING JAYA: A poultry processing plant in Kulim, Kedah, was ordered to shut down immediately after failing to install effluent treatment systems to treat wastewater from processing raw poultry. This is the second plant located in the same vicinity ordered to cease operations, the New Straits Times reported. Kedah Department of Environment (DOE) director Sharifah Zakiah Syed Sahab said inspections found that the plant, located in Taman Industri Waja, was discharging untreated waste into the environment. The plant was subsequently issued a notice for equipment operation detention under Section 38(1)(a) of the Environmental Quality Act 1974. 'This was done to immediately halt the ongoing pollution. 'The facility has been ordered to cease operations to allow for remedial measures to be carried out promptly,' she was quoted as saying. Sharifah added that the plant would be allowed to resume operations once the department is satisfied with the measures taken to rectify its wastewater treatment system. It was reported last week that another poultry processing plant, also located in Kulim, was ordered to shut down following complaints from nearby residents about a foul odour. The department's investigation found that the stench was caused by poultry slaughter waste and cages.
