JOHOR BARU: The Johor Environment Department uncovered an open burning activity involving various types of waste at an engineering factory in the Maju Jaya Industrial Estate here on Wednesday (Dec 24).
In a Facebook post, the department said the offence was detected during an Integrated Monitoring Operation involving multiple agencies, following complaints of a burning smell reported in several areas of the district since Dec 22.
Although investigations found that the open burning was not the main source of the reported odour, the department stressed that enforcement action was taken without compromise.
"Strict action was taken under Section 29(A) of the Environmental Quality Act 1974," the department said in the Thursday (Dec 25) post.
The operation later continued with a raid on a scrap metal recycling premises in Jalan Kempas Lama, where authorities discovered a serious offence involving the illegal possession and storage of scheduled waste, specifically electronic waste (e-waste).
The department said the same enforcement action was taken against the e-waste storage premises for operating without a valid permit.
According to the statement, the Johor Baru City Council has also initiated follow-up action within its jurisdiction.
However, inspections found no abnormal odour, including any burning smell, at the premises involved.
The department stressed that monitoring and enforcement operations will continue to be intensified until the primary source of the burning-smell pollution is identified and fully resolved.
Members of the public are urged to assist by providing information, photographic evidence or details of suspected pollution activities via the toll-free line 1-800-88-2727, email to aduan_k@doe.gov.my or the complaint portal at https://eaduan.doe.gov.my. – Bernama
