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KUALA LUMPUR: The Department of Environment (DOE) opened an investigative document and issued a work stoppage order at a food factory, suspected of causing oil contamination in Sungai Balak, Selangor.
Its CEO, Norlin Jaafar, said the action was taken after the factory was found to have released whitish effluent into the river through an underground pipe, following an on-site review.
She said investigations also found that raw sewage and black oil discharge also flowed into a drain before entering an underground pipeline leading to Sungai Balak.
“Subsequently, the DOE of Selangor under Section 38 (1) (a) of the Environmental Quality Act ordered an immediate suspension of factory operations until management takes corrective action.
“The factory management was also instructed to carry out works to close the illegal outlets that flow into Sungai Balak and clean up the polluted river,” he said in a statement here today.
Additionally, Norlin said that the investigative documents are being processed for criminal prosecution under Section 25 (1) and the Environmental Quality (Industrial Effluent) Regulations of 2009, Environmental Quality Act of 1974.
He said three water samples were taken and sent to the Malaysian Department of Chemistry and the results of the chemical analysis are expected to be available soon.
“I strongly remind manufacturing factories that managing their wastewater in accordance with the law is their responsibility to ensure environmental sustainability and the well-being of people,” he said.
She asked members of the public to be the eyes and ears of the department and to report any activity that results in environmental pollution through her toll-free number 1-800-88-2727 or by email at [email protected]. my and the DOE Electronic Complaint Portal at https: //eaduan.doe.gov.my.-Called
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