After days of smog, Penang factory fined for open burning

 

Firemen have brought under control a fire that engulfed a two-acre site in Nibong Tebal, Penang, yesterday. (Environment department pic)

GEORGE TOWN: A palm kernel cake factory in Nibong Tebal has been penalised RM40,000 for carrying out open burning, after days of thick smog in Penang this week.

Environment director Sharifah Zakiah Syed Sahab said a two-acre area at Jalan Changkat Mukim 11 had been reported to be burning out of control since 12pm yesterday.

She said firemen created a fire break to stem the fire from spreading further. Thermal drones had been flown to assist with fire extinguishing efforts.

“As for now, the fire is under control. But this comes at a time when Penang has not received any rain for the past nine days. It has contributed to the decrease in air quality around Nibong Tebal,” she said in a statement.

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She said air quality in the Nibong Tebal area had dropped close to unhealthy levels at 95 on the air quality index.

“While the air quality remains at moderate levels, we want to remind all to not carry out open burning as it would only worsen air quality,” she said.

Sharifah said the palm kernel cake factory was issued 20 compound notices over violation of scheduled waste management guidelines and for open burning offences. Palm kernel cakes are typically used for animal feed. - FMT