A Malaysian company, Chin Well Fasteners (Vietnam) Co. Ltd, has been accused of releasing untreated waste water into the environment.

Vice chairman of Dong Nai Province People's Committee, Vo Van Chanh, said at a press conference on August 12 that the company was caught releasing wastewater into the environment and burying a big volume of waste mud in its campus.

"We found the violation in a sudden check at the company's campus on July 28," Chanh said. "The company has admitted to its violations. Relevant agencies are investigating the irregularities to make a precise assessment."

The firm, which is based on a 17-ha area in the Formosa section of Nhon Trach 3 Industrial Park in Nhon Trach district, was licensed in 2004 to manufacture screws, nuts, bolts and other fastening products.

Local authorised bodies are also identifying companies that Chin Well Fasteners contracted to treat its waste in Dong Nai, Binh Phuoc and Tien Giang provinces and in Ho Chi Minh City.

Any business that commits environmental infractions will be strictly punished, the Vice Chairman said, adding that the province is reviewing its management of environmental protection so as to clarify each person’s responsibility.

In response to many residents’ complaints about groundwater pollution near the Formosa section of the Nhon Trach 3 Industrial Park, Chanh noted Dong Nai authorities have set up an inspection team to monitor this company’s operations, and punishments must wait until after the investigation finishes to be meted out.