Kuala lumpur: The Enforcement Agency Integrity Commission (EAIC) has identified weaknesses in the enforcement actions taken by the Johor Department of Environment (DOE) regarding the operation of a recycling facility in the Segamat industrial area. In a statement today, the EAIC said these shortcomings include ineffective penalties that fail to deter repeat offences, inconsistent enforcement guidelines across states and districts, and delays in implementing updated compound procedures.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, to address these issues, the EAIC has proposed several improvements, such as increasing penalties for repeat offences, standardising enforcement guidelines at all levels, and ensuring the immediate enforcement of the revised compound framework. 'The EAIC also recommends that the DOE take firmer action against premises that breach environmental regulations,' the statement read.

The Commission stressed the importance of strict enforcement in cases involving repeat violations to prevent leniency. The findings followed a complaint alleging that the Johor DOE had failed to act against a recycling facility operating without a valid licence. However, an investigation under Section 17 of the Enforcement Agency Integrity Commission Act 2009 (Act 700) later confirmed that the premises involved held valid licences.