ALOR SETAR: The Kedah Environment Department has taken action against a factory in the Bukit Selambau Industrial Area, Sungai Petani, suspected of conducting unlicensed off-site scheduled waste storage and recovery activities.
Its director Sharifah Zakian Syed Sahab said the action was taken during the "Ops Gempur" operation from 9am to 1pm on Tuesday (Aug 5), which revealed the facility was operating without Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) approval or a valid licence.
"During the inspection, we found approximately 100 tonnes of used lithium batteries and around 317 tonnes of crushed used batteries, both classified as scheduled waste," she said in a statement on Tuesday.
Additionally, about 20 tonnes of recovered metal powder were discovered on site.
She said the department seized the factory's production equipment under Section 38(1)(a) of the Environmental Quality Act 1974, as they were being operated without pollution control systems or department approval.
Investigations are ongoing under Sections 18(1), 34A(6) and 34B(1) of the same Act.
Sharifah Zakian said they would continue to strengthen monitoring and enforcement efforts, particularly targeting illegal waste processing activities that cause environmental pollution and pose public health risks.
She urged the public to report any suspected environmental violations via the Environment Department's toll-free hotline at 1-800 88 2727 or online at eaduan.doe.gov.my. – Bernama
