The Department of Environment says there is no imminent risk to the people or environment, although an NGO feels otherwise.
Penang DoE deputy director Abdul Aziz Parmin briefing Bukit Mertajam MP Steven Sim at the illegal dumpsite.
DoE defines scheduled waste as any waste that possesses hazardous characteristics and has the potential to adversely affect public health and environment. There are currently 77 types of scheduled waste. Piles of bags containing ‘okra powder’ from China sit on one corner of the illegal dumping ground in Bukit Teh, Bukit Mertajam. A notice placed by MPSP on the foreground orders the landowners to clear the site in 20 days.
“We have sent them to the Chemistry Department and we do not know when the results might come in as almost all of the department’s staff are in Johor to deal with the Sungai Kim Kim pollution issue,” he said. “We would like to warn other landowners who think they can act with impunity to watch out. Stern action awaits those who flout the law. Don’t think you can run away from this.“Although this is not similar to Sungai Kim Kim in Johor, this is totally unacceptable,” Sim said.
Meanwhile, Sahabat Alam Malaysia said while there was no imminent risk, the possibility of leachate from the waste seeping into underground water was high.
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