SEREMBAN: The Department of Environment (DOE) conducted a raid on three factories in Seremban today, after residents of Taman Paroi Jaya, Taman Panchor Jaya and Ampangan complained of odour pollution.
State Health, Environment, Cooperatives and Consumer Affairs Committee chairman S. Veerapan said two of the premises, a plastic recycling company and a smelting plant were operating illegally while another factory, a tile manufacturing plant was operating with inadequate air flow control measures.
“The two illegal factories were not operating during the raid but we have ordered them to be sealed for two weeks under Section 38 of the Environmental Quality Act 1974.
“The Negri Sembilan DOE has issued a notice under Section 31 and Section 37 of the Environmental Quality Act 1974, for the tile factory operator to install proper air pollution control devices in keeping air pollution in check,“ he told a press conference here, today.
Veerapan added that investigation papers have been opened against the owners of the illegal premises and if found guilty each could face a maximum fine of RM500,000 or imprisonment not exceeding five years or both.
Meanwhile Veerapan urged factory owners to conform with conditions set under the Environmental Quality Act as the haze situation was still bad. — Bernama
