2/3/07 (Daily Express) Sandakan  -  Two oil palm factories were fined a total of RM60,000 by the Sessions Court here recently for committing offences under the 1974 Environmental Quality Act (EQA).

Ladang Sabah Sdn Bhd was ordered to pay RM18,000 in default three months' jail for discharging effluents into water channels at its premises at Mile 45, Jalan Sandakan-Telupid, on Aug 10, 2006.

It was fined another RM20,000 or six months' jail for carrying out production that exceeded the processing capacity limit at the same place between Aug 10 and Aug 14, 2006.

Meanwhile, Mayvin Incorporation Sdn Bhd (Mayvin Palm Oil Mill) was ordered to pay RM22,000 fine or six months' jail for discharging effluents containing parameter that exceeded the limit, at its premises at Jalan Sandakan-Telupid, on Aug 17 last year.

The factories were charged under Section 16(1) of the EQA, which provides for a maximum fine of RM25,000 or jail up to two years' jail, or both, on conviction.

Hashim Awang from the Environmental Conservation Department prosecuted before Judge Alwi Abdul Wahab.