The company, Obor Hasil Sdn Bhd, was charged with violating Section 34A of the Environmental Quality Act 1974, which requires that an EIA be approved before activities that could lead to significant environmental impact are allowed.

Obor Hasil, represented by its director Beh Yong Seng, pleaded guilty to the charge under Section 34AA(2)(c) of the Environmental Quality Act 1974, punishable under Section 34AA(3)(c) of the same law, which provides for a maximum fine of RM500,000 or five years in prison, or both.

Ipoh sessions court judge Azizah Ahmad imposed the RM400,000 fine.

The department’s officers Harmanisham Ishak and S Pravin Segaran prosecuted.

In a statement, the Perak environment department said the company was issued a conditional prohibition order on April 21, 2021 for clearing the land in Sungai Raia, Kinta, and operating there without an EIA approval.

The department said it would continue to take firm action against those who breached environmental laws, saying there would be no compromise in this matter with offenders.