Latest news with #KedahDoE
New Straits Times
27-05-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Greed driving illegal e-waste recycling activities, says DoE
ALOR STAR: Greed is the main driving force behind the surge in illegal electronic waste recycling activities across the country, according to the Department of Environment (DoE). Kedah DoE director Sharifah Zakiah Syed Sahab said syndicates are willing to risk arrest due to the substantial profits generated from such unlawful operations. "We believe these syndicates are making significant profits from illegal e-waste recycling, fully aware that their actions are against the law. "This explains why illegal recycling activities persist, despite intensive crackdowns since last year," she told reporters after opening the Environmental Management and Compliance Seminar here today. Sharifah Zakiah said many of these illicit operations are carried out in remote areas, including oil palm plantations, to avoid detection. In some instances, she added, licensed recycling facilities are being used as fronts for these illegal activities. "This is why the public plays a crucial role in reporting any suspicious activities. In fact, several of our recent raids were prompted by public tip-offs after residents noticed the foul stench of burning e-waste," she said. Sharifah Zakiah issued a warning to those involved, highlighting the stiffer penalties under the amended Environmental Quality Act 1974, which came into force in July last year. The amendment raises the maximum fine to RM10 million, along with mandatory imprisonment of up to five years. In addition to targeting illegal e-waste recycling, Sharifah Zakiah said the Kedah DoE was intensifying efforts to tackle the unlawful disposal of scheduled industrial waste. She reminded industry players that they are subject to audits concerning their management of scheduled waste. "We will be inspecting companies that have failed to update their scheduled waste records, including those related to e-waste, based on lists provided by our headquarters," she said. Sharifah Zakiah also urged potential investors to engage with the DoE and Kedah Invest when selecting business sites to ensure suitability and full compliance with environmental regulations. The seminar saw the participation of 430 people and exhibitors and was jointly organised by the Kedah DoE and the Kedah Environment Club. "We invited experts and companies involved in industrial waste management from across the country to share their knowledge with industry players in Kedah.
New Straits Times
10-05-2025
- Automotive
- New Straits Times
7 diesel vehicles ordered for re-testing over excessive smoke emissions
ALOR STAR: The Department of Environment (DoE) has ordered seven diesel vehicles to undergo re-testing after they were found to be emitting excessive smoke during Ops Obstacle at the Gurun R&R area along the PLUS Expressway yesterday evening. Kedah DoE director Sharifah Zakiah Syed Sahab said the vehicles were among 26 inspected during the joint operation with partner agencies. "A total of 26 diesel vehicles were inspected, and seven Notices of Instruction were issued under Section 48A of the Environmental Quality Act 1974. Owners of vehicles found to be emitting excessive smoke have been instructed to present their vehicles for re-testing at Puspakom (Computerised Vehicle Inspection Centre) once corrective measures have been undertaken," she said in a statement. She added that the operation was conducted in collaboration with the Highway Patrol Police, the Road Transport Department, the National Anti-Drugs Agency, Puspakom, and Edgenta Infrastructure Services Bhd (EIS). Sharifah Zakiah said that firm action would be taken against those responsible for environmental offences and any failure to comply with the Environmental Quality Act 1974 and its related regulations. Members of the public are encouraged to report any pollution-related activities by contacting the Kedah DoE complaints hotline at 012-4172823, the toll-free line at 1-800-88-2727, or via the department's official complaints portal.
