DOE Launches National Operation Week To Boost Environmental Law Enforcement

GEORGE TOWN, Apr 6 (Bernama) -- The Department of Environment (DOE) today launched the National‑Level Ops Gerak, Ops Refrigeran and Ops Gempur Week in conjunction with the DOE Enforcement Day celebration, as part of efforts to strengthen environmental law enforcement nationwide. 

In a statement today, DOE said that the integrated operation focused on three main components, namely monitoring vehicle emissions through Ops Gerak, managing refrigerants under Ops Refrigeran, and inspecting industrial premises through Ops Gempur in accordance with the Environmental Quality Act 1974.

“The implementation of this Operation Week reflects the government’s ongoing commitment to ensuring that national development goes hand in hand with environmental conservation for the well-being of current and future generations.

“This operation also involves strategic cooperation between various agencies, including the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), Road Transport Department (JPJ), National Anti-Drugs Agency (AADK) and aocal authorities (PBT),” said the statement.

The department said Ops Gerak focused on inspecting exhaust emissions from petrol, diesel, and motorcycle vehicles, as well as enforcing noise regulations, with inspections conducted through Ops Gerak/Statik and Ops Catat/Kamera Video at selected locations, involving 74 officers from the Motor Vehicle Unit nationwide.

Meanwhile, DOE said Ops Refrigeran targeted compliance with the management of refrigerants, which could affect the ozone layer and contribute to climate change if mishandled. Inspections were carried out at premises that use, store, or handle refrigerants to ensure adherence to legal requirements and safe handling practices.

The department said Ops Gempur, on the other hand, would be conducted at high-risk industrial premises with the potential to cause pollution, covering air emissions, industrial effluents, and scheduled waste management, with the aim of maintaining optimal industrial compliance levels.

In the meantime, DOE said that throughout last year, a total of 378,736 vehicles were inspected, resulting in 1,427 compounds and 101 Prohibition Orders being issued for discharging pollutants beyond the permitted limits.

“In Penang alone, a total of 25,458 inspections were carried out, resulting in 241 compounds being issued,” it said.

--BERNAMA