According to a Bernama report, the department’s director Sharifah Zakiah Syed Sahab said its investigation into the matter began on Dec 24 following a public tip-off.

“The sludge was disposed of into a drain 20m long, 1m wide and 1.5m deep. Our investigation also found several other drains, suspected to have been dug for the same purpose,” she said in a statement.

Sharifah said the sewage sludge disposal site lacked written approval from the director-general of environmental quality.

She said the disposal was believed to have been carried out by a contractor with a National Water Services Commission permit to provide sewage services in the state.

Sharifah said an investigation paper had been completed and would be submitted to the public prosecutor’s office for further instructions.

“The Kedah environment department will also share the investigation’s findings with other relevant authorities for appropriate follow-up action, in line with their respective laws, against the contractor,” she said.

Sharifah said her department had issued the contractor and others involved in sewage services a stern warning to comply with all regulations and procedures.