Johor DOE detains palm oil mill manager and operator for polluting Sungai Sayong, issuing an operation suspension order after finding a ruptured effluent channel.
JOHOR BAHRU: A palm oil mill manager and an operator have been detained in connection with the pollution of Sungai Sayong near Kota Tinggi.
Johor Department of Environment (DOE) director Dr Mohd Famey Yusoff said the two men, both in their 40s, were detained to assist investigations under the Environmental Quality Act 1974.
The detention followed an expanded investigation that tracked the pollution source to a mill operating in the Layang-Layang area of Kluang.
“The detention is to allow a thorough investigation to be completed before those responsible are brought to court,” Mohd Famey said in a statement.
He stressed that the Johor DOE will not compromise on environmental crimes.
Technical investigations at the premises uncovered evidence of serious violations, including failures in the effluent treatment system.
Inspections found a ruptured effluent channel allowed raw waste to flow directly into a water source, polluting the river and affecting local residents.
Following this, the DOE issued an Equipment Operation Detention order against the premises and suspended its licence.
The suspension will remain until all required improvement works are fully implemented.
“This is to immediately halt the operation of equipment that caused the pollution,” Mohd Famey said.
He reminded industry players to ensure their effluent treatment systems function properly and comply fully with environmental laws.
The public is urged to report pollution via the toll-free line 1-800-88-2727, email, or the DOE e-complaint portal.
The incident was reported after residents noted the river’s change in colour and its impact on the environment.
