KEPALA BATAS — Determined to curb industrial pollution and protect the environment, the Penang Department of Environment (DoE) has launched extensive enforcement operations throughout the year, inspecting 252 industrial premises and taking numerous legal actions against offenders.
Two key initiatives — Operation Gempur/Lembangan and Operation Hazard/Lusuh — were implemented to monitor factories operating near sensitive environmental zones and to combat illegal handling of hazardous waste.
Operation Gempur/Lembangan focused on factories located near Sungai Juru and Sungai Jawi, two important river systems linked to water intake points and community supply. Inspections led to hundreds of directives, notices and enforcement actions against industries that failed to comply with environmental standards.
Meanwhile, Operation Hazard/Lusuh concentrated on illegal e-waste processing activities that pose serious environmental and health risks. Several factories are now facing legal proceedings, with some already receiving heavy court penalties.
With support from multiple enforcement agencies, the DoE said these operations reflect the government’s strong commitment to protecting natural resources and ensuring industries operate responsibly.
The department assured that continuous monitoring will continue, and the public is encouraged to report any suspected environmental violations through official complaint channels.