The Ministry of Commerce and Industry has shut down a factory here for pumping waste oil and diesel into the sewage system.

The actions of the factory owner have caused significant damage to pipelines in the area, an official from the ministry said recently. This constituted an offense under the regulations of the Saudi Industrial Property Authority, he said.

The owner of the factory would now be questioned and face legal action, the ministry said in a statement. It also stated that a committee had been formed to inspect industrial sites for violations of the country’s environmental and industrial laws.

The ministry has deployed a team to carry out regular inspections. Members of the public can contact the ministry to report irregularities on the toll-free number 1900.