PUTRAJAYA: The Department of Environment (DoE) aims to reduce industrial and manufacturing sector pollution cases by at least 50 per cent with the enforcement of the Environmental Quality Act (Amendment) 2024, which came into effect early last month.
DoE director-general Datuk Wan Abdul Latiff Wan Jaffar said this target is believed to be achievable given the higher maximum fine of RM10 million as compared to the previous maximum fine of RM500,000.
"In addition to that, DoE is also enhancing enforcement preparations, including improving the capabilities of enforcement officers to carry out fieldwork," he told Berita Harian.
Latiff said last year, 368 cases were prosecuted under the act, involving total fines of RM6.34 million.
For the period from January to June this year, 50 cases were brought to court with total fines amounting to RM940,000.
"Last year, DOE suspended the licences of two premises, whereas in the first six months of this year, no licences were suspended.
"Additionally, 1,848 directive notices were issued last year, and for the first six months of this year, 940 directive notices were issued," Latiff said.
He said during the same period, 32 development projects received Prohibition Orders (PL) or Stop Work Orders (PBK) under Section 34AA, Act 127.
PL and PBK were imposed on projects that did not comply with Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) approval conditions and also on those that carried out work without EIA approval.
"When a PL notice is issued, the premises cannot operate and may face fines of up to RM10 million if taken to court," Latiff added.
He noted that all projects with an area of 50 hectares in the country require an EIA report.