Malaysia: Published: Johor to have new system to check factory pollution

The Star 12 Dec 14;

PASIR GUDANG: Johor will introduce a new system to monitor air pollution in industrial areas.

State Health and Environment Committee chairman Datuk Ayub Rahmat said the system would be used in all factories in the state from January.

He said this was to adhere to the Environmental Act 1974 (Amendment 2014), as the Federal Government was emphasising more on a pollution-free environment.

“The Johor government will table a motion in the next State Assembly sitting to enable stricter enforcement against pollution.

“Among the methods we are looking at is introducing a system to better monitor air quality at factories,” he said after opening an environment seminar at a hotel here yesterday.

Ayub said the application for the system was locally designed and its main function would be to track down factories which were pollu­ting the air.

“The state government will be organising a roadshow to create awareness on this project,” he said.

He said the Department of Environment (DEA) had been finding it difficult to fine factories for air pollution.

“Each factory has its own application to check on air quality but they are able to manipulate some of the data which makes it difficult for the department to act against them,” he said.

Ayub said beginning next year, the department would conduct random checks at all factories.

He added that three factories were so far known to be among those polluting the air.

“We urge such factories to use green technology in their manufacturing process as it will help lessen the amount of pollution and keep the environment clean,’’ he said, adding that the errant ones would be slapped with maximum compounds.