5 detained over Sungai Gong pollution released on RM400,000 bail

Four board members and a manager of a heavy machinery repair company charged in connection with the dumping of hazardous materials into Sungai Gong, Rawang, were released by the High Court today on bail of RM400,000 and one surety each.

Judicial commissioner Norsharidah Awang made the decision after allowing the review application of siblings Yip Kok Wai, 53; Yip Kok Mun, 58; Yip Kok Kuin, 50 and Yip Kok Wong, 60, as well as workshop manager Ho Voon Leong, 59.

She also ordered them to hand over their passports, warning that the court would withdraw their bail if they committed any offences during the bail period.

In her judgment, Norsharidah said she took into account factors such as the seriousness of the offence and the health factors of the accused as well as the dangers that would await if the offence was repeated.

On Sept 17, the accused filed an application for a review of the decision by Selayang Sessions Court judge Syafeera Mohd Said.

They previously pleaded not guilty to the charges against them.

On the first count, they were charged with committing mischief by causing hazardous waste to flow from their workshop, Yip Chee Seng & Sons Sdn Bhd, into Sungai Gong knowing that it would cause a diminution of water supply for human consumption.

They were charged with committing the offence at the workshop premises in Kampung Sungai Dua, Rawang between Sept 2 and 3. The offence under Section 430 of the Penal Code carries a jail term of between five and 30 years, a fine, or both, upon conviction.

In the second charge, they were jointly accused of releasing waste containing harmful substances from the same workshop into a waterway which would flow into the same river, without a license, at the same place and time.