THE Sarawak Department of Environment (DOE) has issued 41 compounds to diesel vehicle owners in the state so far this year, for excessive black smoke emissions.

Its director Hamzah Mohamad today said the compounds, amounting to RM2,000 each, were issued in 15 integrated operations under Ops Gerak, carried out by the department throughout the year.

“The compounds were issued after our inspections found excess exhaust emissions from diesel vehicles, and we believe these vehicles were not serviced regularly and not inspected by Puspakom,” he said. 

Speaking to reporters after conducting the 15th Ops Gerak at Jalan Kuching-Serian, he said the issuance of compounds were allowed under the Environmental Quality (Control of Emission from Diesel Engines) Regulations 1996.

He said that Sarawak DOE will continue carrying out Ops Gerak and reminding diesel vehicle owners in the state to always ensure their vehicles are serviced and checked periodically with Puspakom to ensure they comply with the allowed exhaust emissions guidelines. – Bernama, October 27, 2020.