Natural Resources and Sustainability Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad checking on the environment gas Sherperd FTIR detector during a press conference at Simpang Pulai ,Ipoh.
IPOH: A scheduled waste processing plant in Simpang Pulai has been identified as the source that has been causing air and odour pollution in Simpang Pulai here.
Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad said the factory, which mainly process ewaste, has been given a three-month temporary licence to sort out its issues that were causing the pollution.
"Checks have been conducted at the premises in May this year and actions have been taken under the Environmental Quality Act to suspend their operations.
"We found that three scrubbers in their chimneys were not well-maintained, causing gases and odour to be released," he said in a press conference in Simpang Pulai here on Tuesday (Aug 27).
"The suspension notice was revoked in July after the auditing committee was satisfied with their checks.
"A temporary licence was then issued to the premises to conduct odour stack sampling, air pollution controlling system and an environment audit before cancelling the temporary licence notice," he added.
Nik Nazmi had prior to the press conference visited the plant, with Gopeng MP Tan Kar Hing and state Environment Department director Datuk Dr Mohammad Ezanni Mat Salleh.
In 2022, Tan had reportedly complained about the air and odour pollution that affected folk in several areas, including Bandar Seri Botani, Taman Muda and Kampung Sengat.
Nik Nazmi said all industries have to adhere to the regulations as set by the Environment Department.
"Stern actions will be taken against any premises that pollute the environment," he said.
"Those found guilty can face a mandatory five-year jail term and a maximum RM10mil fine.
"We hope the people can help the government by reporting any pollution incidents to the Environment Department at the 24-hour toll-free line 1-800-88-2727 or email the department at aduan_k@doe.gov.my or via its online complaint system at https://eaduan.doe.gov.my.
Natural Resources and Sustainability Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad checking on the environment gas Sherperd FTIR detector during a press conference at Simpang Pulai ,Ipoh.
