ALOR STAR: The three recycling warehouses that caught fire in Bukit Selambau yesterday were operating illegally, and failed to comply with the Department of Environment (DoE) regulations.
State DoE director Sharifah Zakiah Syed Sahab said the three premises were suspected of processing and storing waste materials such as acid, used batteries, used electronics, and various metals.
Sharifah Zakiah said one warehouse had acquired an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) approval but operated without an operational licence post-EIA approval.
"In reviewing records, the EIA approval was only granted to one of the premises on June 11, 2020, for processing recyclable waste.
"Despite the approval, this facility failed to obtain an operating licence, a violation under Section 34A(6) of the Environmental Quality Act 1974," she said in a statement today.
Sharifah Zakiah said the other two warehouses lacked any record of seeking approval and were believed to be operating illicitly.
She said carrying out activities without EIA approval is an offence under Section 34A(6) of the Environmental Quality Act 1974.
"Offenders could face penalties under Section 34A(8) of the same Act, with a maximum fine of RM500,000.00 or imprisonment for up to five years or both.
"Furthermore, improper disposal or storage of scheduled waste is a violation under the Environmental Quality (Scheduled Waste) Regulations 2005, carrying a maximum fine of RM500,000 and a mandatory maximum imprisonment of five years," she said.
She added the three premises could also face action under Section 18(1) of the Environmental Quality Act 1974, which carries a maximum fine of RM50,000.00 or imprisonment for up to two years or both.
Meanwhile, Sharifah Zakiah said investigations into the fire will be conducted by using drones until conditions improved.
She said a 24-hour air quality monitoring has commenced to detect hazardous pollutants at the incident site.
"Our personnel are still awaiting permission to enter for sampling as the fire is not fully extinguished, and conditions are not entirely safe.
"Sampling will be conducted after obtaining approval from the fire department to enter the area," she added.
Earlier today, it was reported that a fire broke out at Bukit Selambau, involving three warehouses storing used items such as metal, wires and copper. (hyperlink: https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.nst.com.my/amp/news/nation/2023/12/9861...)
Kedah Fire and Rescue Department senior fire officer I Wan Mohd Hamizi Wan Mohd Zin said there is currently no information regarding the origin of the warehouse fire.
He said that the department's Forensic Unit will soon be carrying out investigation to determine the cause of fire.
