PETALING JAYA: The Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES) ministry has issued a stop work order to two mining companies, believed to be involved in pollution in Sungai Kelaik, Gua Musang, Kelantan.
The decision, the ministry said, was taken in line with the investigation by the Environment Department (DOE) into the two companies in accordance with Environment Quality Act 1974.
"The investigation showed Aqua Orion Sdn Bhd had carried out activities without approval under Section 34A(3), with investigation papers opened immediately under Section 34A(6)," said its minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad in a statement Wednesday (Dec 18).
"For Gua Musang Sdn Bhd mining company (Redstar Capital Sdn Bhd), investigations showed the premises was not in operation and no iron ore mining or processing was being carried out," he said.
Nik Nazmi said enforcement action will be taken under Environmental Quality Act if the project operators fail to follow any approved Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report to ensure the project implementation reduces and minimises the effect on environmentally sensitive receptors..
"The DOE will send a letter to the Kelantan Land and Mines Department to delay the mining licensing approval for Aqua Orion Sdn Bhd until the EIA is presented for assessment and approval."
He said the monitoring will continue at the site and strict legal action will be taken for any non-compliance with the Act.
"If found guilty, the offender will face a mandatory prison term of not more than five years and can be fined not less than RM100,000 and not more than RM1mil.
"The public is urged to report any polluting activities through the hotline at toll free number 1-800-88-2727 which operates 24 hours daily or email to aduan_k@doe.gov.my or visit the DOE e-aduan portal at https://eaduan.doe.gov.my," added Nik Nazmi.
