SEREMBAN: All 18 quarry operators in Negri Sembilan have been told to prevent dust pollution during the ongoing hot, dry weather by strictly following standard operating procedures.
Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun said he had received information that some operators in Nilai and here were not fully adhering to the SOPs.
"I have told the Environment Department (DOE) and the respective district offices to carry out operations and issue summonses to those who fail to toe the line.
"These operators know exactly what to do during such a situation and they must comply to ensure our air quality index remains healthy," he told reporters after chairing the state exco meeting at Wisma Negri here on Wednesday (Feb 28).
Aminuddin said prior to this, the DOE and the district offices had been advising the operators to exercise caution but no action was taken against those who stepped out of line.
"We may be forced to temporarily shut down the operations of those who continuously flout the rules.
"There will be no compromise when it comes to the environment and public health," he said, adding that the same also applies to developers carrying out earthworks in their respective sites.
On a separate matter, Aminuddin said the Hospital Tuanku Ja'afar emergency and trauma department will be temporarily moved to the outpatient and daily clinic premises from Thursday (Feb 29).
"This is to allow upgrading works to be carried out at the current department which has been experiencing severe congestion for some time now.
"The upgrading should be completed within eight months," he said, adding that the allocation came from the Health Ministry.
He also appealed to the public to be patient as the upgrading was being done to improve conditions for future patients.
