Latest news with #SharifahZakiahSyedSahab
The Star
3 days ago
- General
- The Star
Environment Dept orders Kedah glove factory to shut temporarily for discharging foaming wastewater
ALOR SETAR: The Kedah Environment Department (DOE) has ordered a glove factory in Kulim Hi-Tech Park to close on suspicion of discharging foaming wastewater on Sunday (July 27). Its director Sharifah Zakiah Syed Sahab said the temporary shutdown was to stop pollution activities conducted by the factory following public complaints on Sunday. "The department sent an investigating team on the same day to the area and found that a rubber glove factory was discharging foaming water into the public drainage system. "The situation not only pollutes the environment but also has the potential to threaten the water ecosystem and public health. As an immediate measure, the DOE has stopped its operations under Section 38(1)(a) of the Environmental Quality Act 1974," she said in a statement on Monday, adding that an investigation paper was opened under Section 25 of the same Act. She stressed that her department would be uncompromising about any form of environmental pollution and asked those who wish to file complaints to call 1-800-88-2727 or email eaduan@ - Bernama
New Straits Times
3 days ago
- New Straits Times
Foamy effluent from glove factory sparks shutdown order
SUNGAI PETANI: A rubber glove factory here has been ordered to halt operations after it was found discharging foamy effluent into the public drainage system. Kedah Department of Environment (DoE) director Sharifah Zakiah Syed Sahab said the enforcement action followed a public complaint received on July 27 regarding the incident. She added that an investigation team was immediately dispatched to the site on the same day, where it was confirmed that the factory had released foamy wastewater into the drains. "This not only pollutes the environment but also poses a threat to the water ecosystem and public health. "As an immediate measure, the Kedah DoE enforced an equipment seizure under Section 38(1)(a) of the Environmental Quality Act 1974. "This action aims to immediately halt the polluting activity by the factory," she said in a statement today. Sharifah Zakiah said an investigation paper has also been opened under Section 25 of the Environmental Quality Act 1974 (Amendment 2024). Under this provision, those found guilty may face a prison sentence of up to five years and a fine ranging from RM50,000 to RM10 million. "Such a severe penalty reflects the government's seriousness in addressing environmental pollution. "The Kedah DoE will not compromise on any form of environmental contamination. "We deeply appreciate public reports on this matter and pledge to continue monitoring the situation closely," she added. Sharifah Zakiah also urged the public to continue cooperating with the DoE in safeguarding the environment. She said those wishing to lodge a complaint may contact the toll-free hotline at 1-800-88-2727 or visit the e-complaint system at "Everyone's cooperation is vital to ensure the environment is preserved for future generations," she said.
New Straits Times
23-06-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Multinational firm fined for industrial effluent breach in Kulim
KULIM: A multinational company operating in the Kulim Industrial Area was fined RM33,000 by the Sessions Court here today for failing to comply with industrial effluent discharge standards. Sessions Court Judge Mirza Mohamad imposed the fine after the company's director, who appeared in court as the representative of the accused, pleaded guilty to the charge. Kedah Department of Environment (DoE) director Sharifah Zakiah Syed Sahab said the offence was uncovered during an inspection on Dec 30 last year. She said checks showed that the company's effluent discharge had breached two parameters set under the Environmental Quality (Industrial Effluent) Regulations 2009. She added that the company was charged under Regulations 11(1)(b) and 12(b) of the Environmental Quality (Industrial Effluent) Regulations 2009, under the Environmental Quality Act 1974. The offence carries a maximum penalty of RM100,000, five years' imprisonment, or both. In pleading for leniency, the company's director informed the court that efforts were underway to upgrade the plant's effluent treatment facilities to prevent future violations. However, the DoE prosecuting officer urged the court to impose a sentence that reflected the seriousness of the offence and served as a deterrent to other industry players.
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...
