KULIM: A poultry company was fined RM15,000 at the Sessions Court today after being found guilty for environmental pollution resulting from its slaughtering and processing operations.
Judge Mirza Mohamad meted out the sentence after the company's manager pleaded guilty to the charge.
The offence occurred at the company's premises in Kulim on April 4 last year during compliance checks by the Environment Department.
The accused was found guilty under Section 25(1) of the Environmental Quality Act 1974, which carries a fine not exceeding RM100,000 or imprisonment for no more than five years, or both.
State Environment director Sharifah Zakiah Syed Sahab said the company's premises lacked an Industrial Effluent Treatment System and had released untreated effluent into a nearby public drain.
"Chemical analysis of effluent samples indicated levels of suspended solids, fluoride, colour, and chemical oxygen demand surpassing the limits set by the Environmental Quality Act 1974."
She added that the prosecution team also sought a stern sentence that would serve as a deterrent.
"This aims to remind the company to adequately treat its effluent prior to releasing it into water bodies, thus averting environmental harm, especially to rivers."
