SUNGAI PETANI: The Environment Department has found raw sewage sludge being dumped at a palm oil plantation in Bukit Selambau.
Its Kedah director, Sharifah Zakiah Syed Saha,b said the discovery was made after the public's complaints prompted the department to investigate.
"The investigation revealed activities related to the disposal of raw sewage sludge produced during the desludging of sewage treatment systems.
"This sludge disposal was carried out at an oil palm plantation located in Kampung Sungai Anak Ikan, Mukim Teloi Kiri, Kuala Muda, Kedah," she said in a statement on Wednesday (Jan 8).
Sharifah said the raw sewage sludge was disposed of in a trench 20 meters long, 1 meter wide, and 1.5 meters deep.
She said the investigation also revealed that several other trenches had been dug, which were suspected to serve the same purpose.
She said further investigation found that the disposal site did not have written permission from the Director General of Environmental Quality. The activity was conducted by a contractor holding a permit from the National Water Services Commission (SPAN) to provide sewerage services in Kedah.
Sharifah said the disposal of sludge in unauthorised areas can pollute water and soil, as well as negatively impacting the ecosystem and public health.
"The department has completed an investigation paper and it will be sent to the attorney general office for further instruction.
"The case is being investigated under Regulation 15 of the Environmental Quality (Sewage) Regulations 2009," she said.
She said the offence is punishable under Regulation 26 of the same regulations, which provides for a maximum fine of RM100,000, imprisonment of up to five years, or both.
Sharifah warned contractors and parties involved in sewerage services to comply with all regulations and procedures established to protect the environment.
She said the department would also forward the findings of the investigations to other relevant authorities for further action against the contractor involved under their respective laws.
