Latest news with #SharifahZakiah
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
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.
New Straits Times
28-04-2025
- General
- New Straits Times
Another Kulim poultry plant to close over wastewater pollution
KULIM: Another poultry processing plant in the district has been ordered to cease operations immediately for failing to install effluent treatment systems to treat wastewater from chicken slaughtering activities. Kedah Department of Environment (DoE) director Sharifah Zakiah Syed Sahab said an inspection at the facility, located in Taman Industri Waja yesterday, found that it had been discharging untreated waste into the environment. She said the facility was issued an equipment operation detention notice under Section 38(1)(a) of the Environmental Quality Act 1974. "This action was taken after the operator failed to install an industrial effluent treatment system for the processing of raw poultry. 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 said in a statement today. Sharifah Zakiah said operations would only be allowed to resume once the department is satisfied with the corrective actions taken. Last week, it was reported that a poultry processing plant in Kulim had also been ordered to shut down following complaints from nearby residents over a foul odour.
