CASE STUDY – 5

Malek is an Environmental Engineer for ABC Manufacturing, one of several plants

in Penang whose water discharges flow into a river in a flourishing tourist area.
Included in Malek's responsibilities is the monitoring of water and air discharges at
his plant and the periodic preparation of reports to be submitted to the
Department of Environment (DOE).

Malek has just prepared a report that indicates that the level of pollution in the
plant's water discharges slightly exceeds the legal limitations. However, there is
little reason to believe that this excessive amount poses any danger to people in
the area; at worst, it will endanger a small number of fish. On the other hand,
solving the problem will cost the plant more than RM600,000.

Malek's supervisor, Plant Manager Muniandi, says the excess should be regarded
as a mere "technicality," and he asks Malek to "adjust" the data so that the plant
appears to be in compliance. He explains: "We can't afford the RM600,000. It might
even cost a few jobs. No doubt it would set us behind our competitors. Besides the
bad publicity we'd get, it might scare off some tourists and hurt the tourism
industry, making it worse for everybody."

How do you think Malek should respond to Muniandi's request?

Based on NSPE regulation,

Rules of Practice:

1. Engineers shall hold paramount the safety, health, and welfare of the public.

3. Engineers shall issue public statements only in an objective and truthful manner.

5. Engineers shall avoid deceptive acts

Professional Obligations:

1. Engineers shall be guided in all their relations by the highest standards of honesty and integrity

7. Engineers shall not attempt to injure, maliciously or falsely, directly or indirectly, the professional
reputation, prospects, practice, or employment of other engineers. Engineers who believe others are
guilty of unethical or illegal practice shall present such information to the proper authority for action.