PUTRAJAYA will consider establishing a centralised chemical disposal centre if existing premises are unable to accommodate the increasing load of such wastes, says Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad.
The Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister said the need changes from time to time.
“Our existing premises would dispose waste based on the Scheduled Waste Code.
“Each premises has technology that has been approved by the Environment Department (DOE).”
He said this in reply to a supplementary question by Muhammad Islahuddin Abas (PN-Mersing) on whether the government had plans for such a centre in view of an odour pollution case in Johor Baru, which came five years after the Sungai Kim toxic pollution incident.
In September, several locations around Johor Baru reported strong chemical odour pollution. At least two hospitalisations were reported from the incident.
Acknowledging the growing threat from pollution, Nik Nazmi said the strengthening of the DOE has been given emphasis in the Budget 2025.
He said heftier penalties have also been imposed through amendments to the Environmental Quality Act.
Currently, he said the compounds collected by DOE are channelled to the government’s Consolidated Fund.
“We wish some of these funds can be retained by the agencies such as what is done with the Inland Revenue Board and the Customs Department.
“These (funds) can be used to improve the agencies’ operations.”
“Based on our discussions with the Finance Ministry, they seem to be open to the idea,” he said.
