12 May, 2005 - Tawau: Three oil palm factories represented by theirrespective executives were each fined RM20,000 or two months' jail by theSessions Court here for blatantly disposing effluence exceeding thepermitted level.

According to prosecuting officer Hashim Awang from the EnvironmentDepartment, the factories, including one in Kunak had violated Rule 12 ofthe Environment Quality (Permanent Premise) (Immature Oil Palm 1977).

The charge is under Section 23(1) of the Environmental Quality Act whichcarries a maximum fine of RM100,000 or five years' jail, or both onconviction.