Wake-up call for Malaysia-based aluminium scrap recycling facility

The Klang Royal City Council (MBDK) has fined a factory in Sungai Kapar Indah, Malaysia, a total of RM3,000 (USD 630) for generating smoke and dust pollution. The facility is known for processing aluminium scrap into ingots.

Following an inspection by the Klang Royal City Council (MBDK) on Tuesday (Sept 2), a factory that sorts, cleans, and shreds scrap aluminium before melting it into ingots was found to have breached multiple by-laws. On Wednesday (Sept 3), MBDK issued three compounds against the operator.

MBDK Corporate Communications Department director Norfiza Mahfiz confirmed the action following ongoing public grievances. According to MBDK Corporate Communications Department director Norfiza Mahfiz, the Health Department fined the factory under By-Laws 17 (MBDK) 2007 for failing to maintain cleanliness, and under By-Laws 32 (MBDK) 2007 for emitting smoke and dust.

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The Licensing Department also imposed a fine under By-Laws 3 (MBDK) 2007 for operating without a valid council licence.

Measures that can be taken to avoid such fines in the future

• Invest in R&D to explore new, more efficient methods of reducing pollution, such as low-emission furnaces, alternative materials, or cleaner production processes.
• Collaborate with local environmental agencies and the Department of Environment (DOE) for guidance on best practices and to stay updated on changing regulations.
• Foster open communication with local residents and address their concerns proactively. Set up a complaint mechanism and take quick action on any environmental nuisance reported by the public.
• Implement advanced air pollution control technologies, such as smoke scrubbers, dust collection systems, and upgraded chimneys, to significantly reduce emissions of smoke and dust.

The factory currently operates across two land lots, but only one is licensed. Each offence carries a maximum penalty of RM1,000 (USD 210). Norfiza added that no chemicals are involved in the processing of the scrap aluminium. The council imposed the fines after confirming the factory’s adverse impact on health and the environment, as part of its continued efforts to monitor non-compliant facilities.

Norfiza said the Selangor Environment Department, which joined the council’s inspection, also issued a notice under the Environmental Quality (Clean Air) Regulations 2014. She stressed that all factories are required to adhere to pollution-free standards.

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