Latest news with #SharifahZakiahSyedSahab
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.
Malaysiakini
27-05-2025
- Malaysiakini
Kedah DOE: Illegal e-waste recycling operations a growing concern
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 Environment Department 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...
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.
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
