Palm Oil Mill Manager, Operator Detained Over Sungai Sayong Pollution

JOHOR BAHRU, Jan 27 (Bernama) -- The manager and an operator of a palm oil mill were detained yesterday in connection with the pollution of the Sungai Sayong in Kampung Orang Asli Sayong Pinang near Kota Tinggi two days ago.

Johor Department of Environment (DOE) director Dr Mohd Famey Yusoff said the men, both in their 40s, were detained to assist investigations under Section 37(C) of the Environmental Quality Act 1974.

He said they were detained after the investigation radius was expanded and tracking along the river course identified the pollution source, believed to be the mill operating in the Layang-Layang area in Kluang. 

“The detention is to allow a thorough investigation to be completed before those responsible are brought to court. The Johor DOE stresses that there will be no compromise on environmental crimes,” he said in a statement today.

According to him, technical investigations at the premises uncovered evidence of serious violations, including failures in the premises’ effluent treatment system.

Inspections found that a ruptured furrow structure (effluent channel) within the premises allowed raw effluent to flow directly into a water source, polluting the river and affecting local residents, said Mohd Famey. 

Following this, he said the DOE issued the Equipment Operation Detention (POK) order under Section 38(1)(a) of the Environmental Quality Act 1974 against the premises and suspended its licence until all improvement works are fully implemented.

“This is to immediately halt the operation of equipment that caused the pollution and to ensure full compliance by the premises,” he said.

He also reminded industry players to always ensure their effluent treatment systems are functioning properly and to fully comply with the provisions of the Environmental Quality Act 1974.

Members of the public are urged to report environmental pollution via the toll-free line 1-800-88-2727, email aduan_k@doe.gov.my or the DOE e-complaint portal at eaduan.doe.gov.my.

On Sunday, Panti assemblyman Hahasrin Hashim said the DOE and Fisheries Department are investigating the river’s change in colour, after residents reported its impact on the environment.

-- BERNAMA