KOTA KINABALU: The chemical stench reported by villagers of Kampung Kembirian, Menggatal, has led to Sabah's biggest bust of over 1,000 intermediate bulk containers (IBC) illegally storing what is believed to be scheduled waste.

       State Department of Environment (DOE) director Amirul Aripin said the discovery was made during a joint raid by the department, police and Kota Kinabalu City Hall officers at a warehouse in the village on Tuesday (July 6).

       However, no arrests have been made so far.

       "Samples have been taken for analysis but we suspect this to be waste from oil extraction activities at sea, categorised as SW311 (waste oil or oil sludges).

       "There was no personnel when we raided the place, but we believe we will apprehend the culprits when we do further investigations.

       "The case is being investigated under Environmental Quality Act 1974, where the penalty is a maximum of five years jail and a fine not exceeding RM500,000," he told reporters during a press conference held at the warehouse on Wednesday (July 7).

       Earlier on June 26, the Department received the first complaint from a villager about a diesel-like smell emanating around that area, followed by several more similar reports by villagers there.

       A team was dispatched the next day to investigate the source of the smell, which led them to the warehouse.

       The joint operation consisting of 12 department officers, 10 policemen and three City Hall personnel was then executed yesterday after about a week of surveillance work, where lorries were seen coming in and out of the warehouse vicinity.

       Asked how long the illegal storage activities had been going on, Amirul said based on the labels on the containers which dated as far back as January, they believed it started early this year.

       "It was fortunate that the villagers were alert and immediately made reports.

       "Hazardous waste must be managed and disposed off properly by licensed entities to avoid affecting public health and the environment," he said, adding that they had not found any leaks of the waste there.