KOTA KINABALU: No environment-related offences, except for some open burning by house owners, were recorded during a four-day special operation in conjunction with Chinese New Year recently.
The operation, dubbed Ops Tahun Baru Cina 2021, saw dozens of areas inspected in various districts from Feb 11 to 14.
State Environment Department director Amirul Aripin said the crackdown involved more than 40 enforcement officials from Kota Kinabalu, Sandakan, Tawau and Beaufort.
Among the areas monitored and inspected were the industrial areas of Kota Kinabalu, Kolombong, Lok Kawi and along rivers at Papar, Nabawan, Sandakan, Segaliud and Tawau.
“We also conducted checks in Kimanis, Beaufort, Sook, Tenom and Sipitang, ” he said on Monday (Feb 22).
Places like housing areas, construction sites, landfills, oil palm factories, wood processing factories, food processing facilities and private sewage plants were also inspected.
“Only several cases of open burnings at housing areas were detected, ” Amirul said.
The offenders were issued warnings and will be compounded if they were found to repeat the acts.
They can either be issued with a compound of up to RM2,000 or fined up to RM500,000, jailed, or both, depending on the severity of the burning.
Those with information on environmental wrongdoings can contact the toll free line at 1-800-88-2727 or email to aduan_k@doe.gov.my or http://eaduan.doe.gov.my.
