71 factories operating illegally in Pasir Gudang

PASIR GUDANG: The Johor government has identified 71 factories that are operating illegally within the Pasir Gudang Municipal Council’s jurisdiction, says a state exco member.

State Local Government, Urban Wellbeing and Environmental Committee chairman Tan Chen Choon said from the figure, eight had been recommended for legal action, 46 had been issued with notices, while two had been shut down.

“The rest of the factories are waiting for action from the Department of Environment.

“Eighteen of the illegal factories are also found to be operating on government-owned land, while four factories, which have the necessary licences, are also found to be operating on government land, ” he said.

Seven factories were found to be operating on KTM Berhad reserve land, he said when met during a joint operation on factories here yesterday.

He added that the operation was held as part of the state government’s effort to eliminate any possible pollution source in the area.

Tan said checks were also carried out on an illegal plastic recycling factory located within Taman Pasir Putih.

“The plastic waste found inside the factory is believed to be from Britain based on the labels.

“The Energy, Science, Technology, Environment and Climate Change Ministry has already started sending foreign waste found in the country back to their country of origin. We will also do our investigations, ” he said.

He said the factory was one of the two illegal factories that received orders to shut down operations.

Tan said action was taken under Section 18 and Section 34(a) of Environmental Act 1974 aside from Clean Air Regulation.