SUNGAI PETANI: A paper recycling factory was fined RM20,000 today for failing to obtain approval for the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report from the Department of Environment (DoE).
Kedah DoE director Sharifah Zakiah Syed Sahab, in a statement, said the ruling was delivered by Sessions Court judge Azman Abu Hassan after the company, represented by its lawyer, pleaded guilty to the charge.
The factory was found to have built a recycling plant for used paper boxes without obtaining EIA approval, violating Section 34A(6) of the Environmental Quality Act 1974.
The offence is punishable under Section 34A(8), which provides for a fine of up to RM500,000 or imprisonment for up to five years, or both.
During the proceedings, the defence appealed for leniency, citing the company had submitted its EIA report, which was approved by the state DoE on Dec 13, 2023.
However, the prosecution sought a fitting penalty to serve as a deterrent, urging companies to adhere strictly to legal requirements to prevent environmental pollution and protect nearby communities.
Sharifah Zakiah reminded all industries to comply with the Environmental Quality Act 1974 to avoid legal action.