DoE arrests factory owner, supervisor over Pasir Gudang orange smoke

JOHOR BAHRU: The Johor environment department (DoE) has arrested a factory owner and a supervisor at the Pasir Gudang industrial area following an orange smoke emission incident suspected to involve scheduled waste.

Johor DoE director Famey Yusoff said the two men, aged 34 and 41, were detained at about 8pm yesterday with assistance from the department’s Pasir Gudang branch.

Famey said a preliminary investigation found that the premises had failed to comply with scheduled waste management procedures and licensing conditions under Section 16 of the Environmental Quality Act 1974.

“A thorough investigation by the Prescribed Premises for Scheduled Waste Unit at the location confirmed a serious violation of environmental laws,” he said in a statement.

Famey said air quality monitoring was being carried out at nearby sensitive locations, including SMK Taman Pasir Putih and SMK Pasir Gudang 3, using a portable multigas analyser.

However, no hazardous gas parameters have been detected in the surrounding areas as of today.

He said the DoE would not compromise with industrial operators who fail to comply with scheduled waste management to the point of endangering public safety and the environment.

Strict legal action would be taken against any party found violating environmental laws.

Photos and videos of orange-coloured smoke rising over the industrial area had gone viral on social media earlier.