18/11/05 Sandakan (The Edge Daily) -  An oil palm company was slapped with a hefty RM25,000 fine by Sessions Court Judge Ismail Ibrahim Friday for flushing into the river effluent exceeding the permitted concentrate.

Tanjung Panjang Palm Oil Mill Sdn Bhd, Kinabatangan admitted committing the offence under Section 25(1) of the Environmental Quality Act 1974 on May 6.

The charge, punishable under Section 25(3) of the same Act, provides for a maximum fine of RM100,000 or jail term of up to five years, or both.

The company was fined another RM5,000 for violating conditions in its operating licence, an offence under Section 16(1) of the Environmental Quality Act 1974, punishable under Section 16(2) of the same Act which carries a maximum fine of RM25,000 or jail term of up to two years, or both, on conviction.

Meanwhile, two other companies, Halusah Ladang Sdn Bhd, Mile 22, Jalan Labuk and Ladang Sabah Sdn Bhd, Mile 45, Jalan Sandakan were fined RM8,000 and RM13,000 respectively for committing the same offence under Section 16(1).

Hashim Awang, from the Sabah Environment Department, prosecuted.