THE Ministry of Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change (NRECC) through the Department of Environment (DOE) is investigating the source of the oil pollution and foul stench that has been baffling the estimated 6,000 residents living near an industrial zone here, since last month. 

Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad said initial investigations found engine oil stains on a 9.7ha industrial site that was not caused by its owner.   

He said a directive notice was issued under Sections 31 and 37 of the Environmental Quality Act 1974 ordering the landowner to immediately clean up the area and dispose of the waste material at a DOE-licensed premises.  

“Under Section 31 an offender is liable to a fine of up to RM25,000, or up to two years imprisonment, or both. They are also liable to a further fine not exceeding RM1,000 a day for every day the offence is continued after the notice is served.  

“Section 37 provides for a fine not exceeding RM2,000, or imprisonment up to six months, or both upon conviction,” he told reporters after surveying the polluted area today.  

He said the landowner had started the cleanup, which is expected to be completed at the latest by tomorrow.  

Nik Nazmi also did not rule out the possibility that certain syndicates were involved in the incident, which needed to be resolved through an integrated effort by all parties, including the police and local authorities.  

He added that between January 1 and yesterday, the DOE recorded 178 complaints related to environmental pollution in Kapar.   

“Of that figure, 136 complaints were related to air pollution, 12 scheduled waste, eight water, seven sound, and 15 disturbances and rubbish.  

“The NRECC Ministry, through the DOE, is committed to tackling any pollution issue and we urge the public to report such activities,” he said.  

Earlier, the media had reported that the residents in the area were affected by engine oil waste dumped on a yet-to-be-developed factory site. – Bernama, November 16, 2023.