KULIM: The Department of Environment (DoE) has seized 40 jumbo bags suspected of containing scheduled waste, dumped in an open area in Naga Lilit, Padang Serai, here today.
The bags with the label of a renowned local company were found during a routine patrol by the department's team about 10am.
State DoE director Sharifah Zakiah Syed Sahab said the waste was found to be packaged under the company's name, and investigations were ongoing to identify its exact source.
"Samples of the waste have been taken and sent to the Chemistry Department for waste type identification.
"If it is not classified as scheduled waste, the case will be handed over to the agency responsible for solid waste management for further action.
"The DoE will inform the local authorities and relevant land office for further actions," she said in a statement today.
She added that if the waste was confirmed to be scheduled waste, action would be taken under Section 34B of the Environmental Quality Act 1974, which carries a mandatory sentence of five years imprisonment and a fine.
"The DoE will trace the identity of the landowner," she said, adding that legal action would be taken against the landowner if the person had illegally converted the land into a disposal site for scheduled waste.
Meanwhile, Sharifah Zakiah encouraged the public to provide any information to the DoE to assist in the investigation.