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There are many issues on environment in Sabah and without good environment, business is near impossible coupled with Climate Change at its worsening status. This article is a good start to SEE Sabah 2016. 4th pollution offence lands SFI RM100k fine Published on: Tuesday, December 22, 2015 Email to a friend Printer Friendly Kota Kinabalu: Sabah Forest Industries (SFI) Sdn Bhd was on Monday fined a maximum RM100,000 and also ordered to serve one day's jail by the Sessions Court for discharging effluent into the watercourse. SFI, which has three previous convictions of similar nature, was represented by its Assistant Manager Rincent Severianus, pleaded guilty before Judge Ainul Shahrin Mohamad. In imposing sentence, Ainul said the court viewed the case seriously because the environment is something that everyone should take care of as mother earth is the only home to everyone. "When person or company pollutes the environment, all are affected," she said adding that the court also had to take into account the company's previous convictions under the Environmental Act. The company was found discharging effluent between 10.25am and 12.40pm on Dec 5, 2013 at its premises in Kompleks SFI, Jalan Jeti, Sipitang. The court heard that the effluent contained parameter of Biochemical Oxygen Demand in concentration that exceeds the stipulated limits. The offence under Section 11(1)(b) of the Environmental Quality Rules (Industrial Effluent) 2009 carries a fine of up to RM100,000, or a jail term of up to five years, or both. The assistant manager through his counsel S. Vanigopal asked for a minimum fine saying that the company had taken steps to improve on the effluent discharge. However, Prosecuting Officer Hashim Awang for the Environmental Department urged the court to impose an appropriate sentence as it involved the environment. Hashim informed the court that the company had three previous convictions under the Environmental Act in 2005 and 2008. Two weeks ago, the company was also charged with committing offences under the Occupational Safety and Health Act and also the Factories and Machinery Act. However, it claimed trial to both charges. On the first count, the company allegedly failed to ensure its workers' safety, health and welfare while at work, thus causing the death of one Yiki Janing @ Adin, 51 and on the second count, the company is accused of failing to install a fence on the conveyor machine which caused the death of Yiki. The court fixed April 11-12 next year for trial. http://www.dailyexpress.com.my/news.cfm?NewsID=105466