BUTTERWORTH: A factory in the Prai area here has been slapped with four compound notices for allegedly discharging effluents and failing to maintain its pollution control equipment.

       The premises was ordered to close by the Penang Department of Environment (DoE) and will only be allowed to resume operations after satisfactory repairs have been made.

       State DoE director Sharifah Zakiah Syed Sahab said it acted on public complaints about a "coloured discharge" from the factory.

       “The factory had obtained approval from the International Trade and Industry Ministry to operate.

       “The enforcement team seized equipment under Section 38 (1) (a) of the Quality Environmental Act 1974 for further investigation.

       “Four compound notices have been issued under Regulations 5,6,7 and 17 of the Environmental Quality (Industrial Effluents) Regulations 2009.

       "We have also issued a Notice of Instruction under Sections 31 and 37 of the Environmental Quality Act 1974 for the factory to maintain and improve its effluent treatment systems and air control devices,” she said in a statement on Friday (July 2).

       Sharifah Zakiah said although factories have obtained permission to operate during Phase One of the National Recovery Plan (NRP), they are advised to practice clean production and comply with government regulations aimed at preserving the environment.

       They must also comply with standard operating procedures for the prevention of infectious diseases, she added.

       “Penang DoE will conduct regular patrols and inspections at industrial areas to ensure that all regulations are followed,” she said.