Jail Bosses to Stop Pollution, Says Judge

SHAH ALAM: A Sessions Court judge lamented that despite imposing maximum fines on firms for causing pollution, the environmental problems caused by large corporations had still not been curbed.

Judge Azimah Omar said it would be easier if there was a provision to allow the court to send company directors to jail so they know the seriousness of environmental pollution.

She said this to Box-Pak (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd factory manager Chong Kim Choy yesterday before imposing a RM35,000 fine on the boxing and packaging company for discharging untreated effluents above the permitted level.

“Almost every week I have such cases heard before my court. Companies should not just think of making profits. Everybody must play their part in protecting our environment.

“You are lucky that the Environment Act has yet to be amended to a include mandatory jail term for directors flouting the law.”

Chong pleaded guilty to discharging untreated effluents from the factory’s premises at Lot 4, Jalan Perusahaan 2 in Batu Caves at 9.40am on Feb 23 this year. The effluents had 130mg/l of biological oxygen demand and 560mg/l of chemical oxygen demand.

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