ALOR STAR: The Department of Environment (DoE) has launched an investigation over the incident of hazardous medical waste strewn along the Plus Expressway between Gurun and Sungai Petani recently.
Kedah DoE director Sharifah Zakiah Syed Sahab said that the department received reports from PLUS Malaysia Bhd (Plus) about the incident at 11pm on Saturday.
"A container was found with its contents scattered at KM 92.9 of the expressway. They included syringes, used test kits, and various other clinical waste that may contain hazardous substances.
"We have not yet determined the cause of the incident," she said in a statement today.
Sharifah Zakiah said the medical waste was classified as scheduled waste and its management is regulated under the Environmental Quality Act 1974.
"Only DoE registered vehicles are permitted to transport this waste, and disposal is only allowed at premises licensed by the DoE.
"Handlers and transporters must exercise caution and adhere to all prescribed standard operating procedures. Action will be taken against the transporter once we identify the party responsible," she added.
Sharifah Zakiah said that the waste collected from the site was transported to a scheduled waste storage facility at Sultan Abdul Halim Hospital following cleanup operations.
She also cautioned the public to refrain from approaching clinical waste if they come across the material and contact the department immediately.