Malaysian Department of Enviroment To Step Up Operation Off Pengerang Waters

Bernama 18 Jan 10;

PASIR GUDANG, Jan 18 (Bernama) -- The Department of Environment's (DOE) special task force has been tasked with stepping up operations against illegal oil dumping and transfer off the Pengerang waters through cooperation with maritime enforcement agencies.

The illegal activities have been rampant in that particular area with countless cases committed by foreign vessels.

Deputy Natural Resources and Environment minister Tan Sri Joseph Kurup said seven personnel had been assigned to the task force and daily patrols had been conducted with the Malaysia Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA).

"We are taking special interest in that particular area as there have been multiple cases throughout last year and this year," he told reporters after launching the Environment Seminar here Monday.

Kurup said that the ministry was taking the matter of illegal dumping and transferring of oil in Pengerang seriously.

He cited a recent success where two vessels along with 10 crewmen were detained for illegally transferring 280 bags of solid sludge and 80 barrels of liquid sludge off Pengerang waters last week through a join operation involving the DOE and MMEA.

Meanwhile, on the environmental quality in the Pasir Gudang industrial area and its surroundings, Kurup said he was satisfied with the quality but there was still room for improvement.

-- BERNAMA

Special unit to curb dumping of sludge
Ben Tan, New Straits Times 19 Jan 10;

PASIR GUDANG: The Natural Resources and Environment Ministry has stepped up the monitoring of ships to curb illegal oil dumping off Johor's southern coast.
Deputy Natural Resources and Environment Minister Tan Sri Joseph Kurup said that a dedicated unit, comprising seven members was formed about a year ago, specially trained to be on the lookout for ships that dumped oil and sludge.

"The unit, which is based near Pengerang, is currently working closely with the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) in monitoring the coast for possible offenders," he said after launching a seminar on the environment here yesterday.

Despite being a small team, he said it was sufficient for the time being as their roles were focused only on the coastal waters off Pengerang.

Asked about the rampant dumping of sludge off the coast of Pengerang, Kurup said the situation was under control.

"We will rehabilitate the coastal areas through cleaning operations and intensified surveillance," he added.

MMEA revealed that dumping of oil and sludge was once rampant off Pengerang.

In addition to dumping, even if a vessel illegally transfers fuel to another ship or conducts illegal cleaning, spillage will occur.

The special unit has been working closely with the MMEA to identify vessels that violate the Environmental Quality Act 1974.

They also participate in joint patrols and operations with MMEA enforcement officers.