SUNGAI PETANI: The Department of Environment has issued an operation suspension order against a charcoal briquettes factory in Bukit Selambau near here today for failing to maintain its air pollution control system, leading to air pollution.
Its state director, Sharifah Zakiah Syed Sahab, said a team was sent to the factory after the department received public complaints about odors and smoke affecting their daily lives.
"Strict action was taken against the factory for failing to maintain its air pollution control system, resulting in air pollution in the surrounding area.
"Operations causing air pollution have been halted, and the factory has been instructed to carry out repairs and improvements to address the issue," she said in a statement today.
Checks by the department, she said, also showed that the factory lacked a competent person (CP) to monitor and operate the pollution control equipment.
"The industry is reminded of the need to maintain pollution control equipment and to have a competent person (CP) in accordance with Section 49A(1) of the Environmental Quality Act 1974," she said.
She added that a CP can assist or advise industrial premises on pollution control aspects, particularly in implementing self-compliance.
"This can prevent larger-scale pollution by monitoring and detecting any damage to pollution control equipment early," she said.
Sharifah Zakiah also thanked the public for providing information and urged them to continue reporting any activities that pollute the environment.