JOHOR BAHRU: The manager and supervisor of an oleochemical factory were arrested by the Pasir Gudang environment department yesterday after complaints of pollution in Sungai Buluh, near the Pasir Gudang industrial estate.
In a statement, the department said the pollution stemmed from the discharge of brown effluent due to a malfunctioning treatment system.
Effluent samples were collected and sent to the Petaling Jaya chemistry department for analysis.
The Pasir Gudang City Council and the police also participated in the inspection.
“An equipment operation detention order was issued to halt the pollution, and arrests were made under Section 37C of the Environmental Quality Act 1974, involving the factory manager and supervisor,” the statement added.
Investigations are ongoing into the pollution of inland waters, with additional inquiries under the Environmental Quality (Industrial Effluent) Regulations 2009.