KUCHING: Environmental care must become a daily culture, especially as poorly maintained vehicles continue to contribute significantly to urban air pollution.
Department of Environment (DOE) Director-General, Datuk Wan Abdul Latiff Wan Jaffar, said awareness remains inconsistent despite the country having more than 33 million vehicles nationwide.
He said proper maintenance was essential to ensure emissions comply with the Environmental Quality Act 1974.
“For diesel vehicles, poor maintenance will result in black smoke emissions. This is why regular servicing is crucial to ensure exhaust levels meet legal standards.
“Vehicle emissions remain one of the main contributors to urban air pollution, and proper upkeep is necessary to address this.
“Even with improved fuel quality and upgraded engine specifications, vehicles can still release excessive pollutants if they are not maintained,” he said.
He told the media this after officiating the National Motor Vehicle Operation Week 2025 here today.
Wan Abdul Latiff said the nationwide operation would be carried out simultaneously across Malaysia, involving inspections on diesel vehicles, petrol vehicles and motorcycle noise levels.
He said similar checks had been conducted periodically, but this year’s operation would involve a larger rollout nationwide.
“We will measure black smoke emissions from diesel vehicles, and action will be taken if the levels exceed the allowed limit.
“The same applies to petrol vehicles. Enforcement will follow if their emissions do not meet the required standard.
“Motorcycle noise levels will also be checked, and action will be taken when the readings exceed permissible limits,” he said.
Wan Abdul Latiff said the current compound rate for emission offences is RM2,000, but amendments enforced on July 7, 2024, allow for heavier penalties.
The revised provisions allow compounds of up to RM500,000, while cases brought to court may attract fines of up to RM1 million.
“For now, during the transition from the old provisions to the amended Act, the compound rate remains at RM2,000 per offence. It will increase in the future,” he explained.
Earlier in his speech, he said DOE had strengthened its readiness through upgraded monitoring equipment for upcoming operations.
This includes 22 smoke meters for diesel inspections, 14 units of the latest gas analysers for petrol vehicles, and 14 sound level meters for more accurate noise measurements.
“The enforcement teams nationwide, including in Sabah and Sarawak, have also been strengthened with new operation vehicles such as the Toyota Hilux and Proton X70.
“With more modern and efficient equipment, DOE is able to carry out operations more effectively, responsively and accurately,” he added.
Aside from motor vehicle enforcement, he said DOE continues to emphasise compliance in refrigerant management.
“DOE remains committed to ensuring all parties meet the requirements under the Environmental Quality (Refrigerant Management) Regulations 2020, in line with national efforts to reduce harmful releases into the atmosphere.
“I want to stress that DOE will not compromise with any party that fails to comply with the regulations in our effort to protect the environment,” he added.
