DoE issues 45 compounds for vehicles in Sarawak exceeding emissions levels

KUCHING (Dec 4): The Department of Environment (DoE) has issued 45 compounds this year through joint enforcement operations targeting motor vehicle emissions in Sarawak.

DoE Sarawak director John Rampai said up until October, a total of 3,441 inspections were carried out.

“From these operations, 45 compounds were issued. This clearly shows DoE’s commitment to ensuring that every vehicle complies with the emission limits set,” he said during the launch of National Motor Vehicle Operation Week in conjunction with the 2025 World Ozone Day celebration here.

John said the nationwide operation, launched by DoE director-general Datuk Wan Abdul Latiff Wan Jaffar, is conducted simultaneously across the country to raise awareness of the importance of controlling pollutant emissions from motor vehicles and educating road users to comply with the Environmental Quality Act 1974.

He said continuous enforcement involving the DoE, police, and Road Transport Department is essential to ensure that emissions remain within prescribed standards.

John noted that pollutants such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, and fine particulates remain key contributors to air pollution, adding that failure to control emissions could affect air quality and pose health risks to the public.

On ozone protection efforts, he stressed the importance of proper management of refrigerants such as CFCs in vehicle air-conditioning systems and HCFCs used in cooling systems, citing their potential impact on the ozone layer.

“The ozone layer is an important shield that protects us from excessive ultraviolet (UV) rays, which can cause various health issues and affect marine ecosystems and agriculture.

“Its protection must be a shared responsibility, and one key measure is the proper control and management of refrigerants such as CFCs and HCFCs,” he said.

He added that since joining the Montreal Protocol in 1989, Malaysia has demonstrated ongoing commitment through the implementation of the HCFC Phase-out Management Plan (HPMP) Phases I to III.

“These efforts are supported by strict controls on the import and export of chemicals in close cooperation with the Royal Malaysian Customs Department, as well as training and awareness programmes for industry players and the public on ozone-friendly and low-carbon technologies,” he said.

He stressed public understanding of proper refrigerant management is crucial to ensure the ozone layer continues to function effectively as the planet’s primary shield.