SHAH ALAM, Jan 8 — A company engaged in recycling used plastic was fined RM100,000 by the Klang Sessions Court yesterday for indiscriminately storing scheduled waste without the Environment Department’s (DOE) approval.
The sentence was imposed by judge Sharifah Hascindie Syed Omar after hearing submissions from the prosecution and mitigation from the company’s lawyer, and taking into account public interest.
In a statement, Selangor DOE director Datuk Wandi Yadzid Yaakob said the prosecution officer from the department had requested an appropriate sentence be imposed to deter industry players from similar offences.
“The department also advised companies to act more responsibly and not to compromise environmental sustainability in the pursuit of profit,” it said today.
The firm, Golden Mile Plastic Resources Sdn Bhd, was charged under Section 34B(1)(a) of the Environmental Quality Act 1974, which stipulates that no one shall place, deposit or dispose of scheduled wastes on land or into Malaysian waters, except at prescribed premises only, without written approval of the DOE director-general.
The company director earlier pleaded guilty to the charge, which carries a maximum imprisonment of five years and fine of up to RM500,000.
An inspection was conducted by the Selangor DOE at the plastic recycling premises along Jalan Sungai Jati, Klang, on June 29, 2020.
“The inspection found piles of plastic scrap mixed with fragments of electronic circuit boards, categorised as scheduled waste code SW110, at the raw material receiving area within the premises.
“Further checks revealed the company did not have any approval from the DOE to store scheduled waste at the premises.
“Industrial premises are reminded to always comply with the Environmental Quality Act 1974 and its subsidiary regulations. Failure to comply may result in conviction and prosecution in court,” Wandi Yadzid said.
