Department of Environmental in their recent media release dated 13th October 2020 reported that the agency received report from Agensi Penguatkuasa Maritim Malaysia (APMM), Jabatan Laut Negeri Sembilan, Jabatan Laut Melaka, hotel owners, fishermans and residents of mysterious oil spill stretching two kilometres along the beach at Port Dickson and Tanjung Tuan. Following the intelligent findings, investigation team from the Department inspected and conduct sampling at the polluted beach coastal and in the middle of the sea. Samples collected were further analysed by Jabatan Kimia Malaysia to identify characteristics and composition of the spilled waste. Due to the incident, DOE and APMM carried out sea patrols and surveillances. Drones had been deployed to determine source of pollution.
Environment and Water Minister, Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man stated, clean-up operation along the beach was commenced by Port Dickson and Alor Gajah district and land office to clean and dispose spilled oil due to irresponsible parties with the assistance of the Environment Department of Negeri Sembilan and Melaka, APMM, Jabatan Laut Malaysia, Angkatan Pertahanan Awam Malaysia (APM), Jabatan Perikanan, Jabatan Perhutanan, Majlis Keselamatan Negara and Polis Diraja Malaysia (PDRM).
This case is being investigated under Section 27 of the Environment Quality Act 1974 which carries a maximum fine of RM500,000 or a maximum five-year jail term or both. Publics are advised to stay away from the polluted incident scene until the whole process completed.
Source: Department of Environmental
Image via Pixabay and DOE
HSE Insights, Issue 2, October 2020
