A MAJOR enforcement operation yesterday saw the demolition of 40 illegal factories at Kampung Baru Sungai Buloh in Shah Alam, Selangor, following years of unauthorised occupation on state land.
One house built without authorisation at the site was also torn down.
The structures were built on a former Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB) reserve that serves as a buffer zone for the Sungai Buloh Army Camp, said Selangor Land and Mines Office (PTGS) assistant director Muhammad Nadzirul Hafizie M. Daud.
The illegal operations, which had been active for about 20 years on a 4.05ha area, posed a security risk to critical government infrastructure.
“This area is considered a sensitive zone, gazetted as a hazardous and security area for government assets,” he said when met at the site yesterday.
The joint operation involved around 400 personnel from 15 agencies, including PTGS, police, Shah Alam City Council, utility companies, National Water Services Commission of Malaysia (SPAN) and civil defence.
Muhammad Nadzirul said the land was previously held under a Temporary Occupation Licence (TOL), but occupants continued to operate illegally after the licence expired.
He said trespassing on state land, as outlined in Section 425 of the National Land Code, is a serious offence that can carry a penalty of up to five years jail and RM500,000 fine.
PTGS unit chief assistant director Noniana Hasbullah, 42, said notices were issued to the operators prior to the demolition.
Site cleanup is expected to continue until Friday.
