The Department of Environment (DOE) has taken 158 enforcement action on individuals and premises found to have violated the Environmental Quality Act 1974, including suspending the licences of five premises since the Movement Control Order (MCO) was implemented until April 24.

Environment and Water Minister, Datuk Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man said, stern action would be taken against any of the industries or sectors found polluting the environment and DOE will continue to intensify enforcement.

Therefore, Industries and sectors allowed to operate during the MCO are reminded to abide by the Environmental Quality Act 1974 and all regulations thereunder.

“Parties that do not comply with the Environmental Quality Act will also be reported to the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) for further action, including closure of operations,” he said in a statement here today.

Tuan Ibrahim said based on an estimated 1,337 production or manufacturing premises authorised to operate by MITI nationwide, 13 per cent of the total were located at the upstream water catchment areas. - BERNAMA