Residents of Jinjang Utara in Kepong, Kuala Lumpur, are at their wits’ end after lodging five complaints about an illegal food factory that they claim have been largely ignored by the authorities.
The factory in Jalan Jinjang Murni 7, which had been operating since August 2024, continued to emit stench and oily discharge despite residents repeatedly alerting Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) about the problem.
Low Siew Fong, 41, who lives directly behind the factory, said her daily life was a struggle against the stench that emanated from the building and an oily residue that coated the floors of her house.
“The factory manufactures packaged food and sauces.
“Every time they start cooking, the unpleasant smell wafts into my house and causes my floor to become oily.”
She said that although the owner eventually installed exhaust ducts, the problem persisted.
“When it was first set up, the factory was not equipped with any exhaust ducts to channel the cooking odours out properly.
“But the problem still persists after the ducts are installed.
“The factory is also polluting the monsoon drain behind my house with fat, oil, grease and even chemicals,” said Siew Fong.
She said her latest complaint was filed in January this year but DBKL’s response had been limited to issuing notices.
“DBKL should have ordered the owner to move the factory elsewhere and demolish the current structure, as the factory should not be there in the first place.”
She said DBKL in its reply to her complaint, acknowledged that the premises was illegally converted from a residential property into a commercial one.
Her brother Low Yoon Hong, 45, raised concerns over safety and regulatory compliance.
“Do the factory workers have proper work permits?
“Does it meet the required fire safety standards?” he asked.
Parti Rakyat Malaysia (PRM) complaints and welfare bureau (central) head Lee Hoi Eng, who represented the residents, criticised the authorities for having “double standards” in enforcement.
“DBKL is swift to act against coffeeshops and restaurants that place tables and chairs outside.
“Why is it not taking action against this illegal factory?” he asked.
He said PRM would write to Kuala Lumpur mayor Datuk Seri Fadlun Mak Ujud and Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Hannah Yeoh for an explanation.
“If no response is received within 14 to 21 days, we will submit a memorandum to the authorities demanding action,” said Lee.
DBKL could not be reached for comment at press time.
