IPOH: An illegal factory in Kampung Kepayang near Simpang Pulai, believed to be burning scrap metal, has been issued with a stop work order, and the equipment from the factory sealed.
Perak Environment Department director Rosli Zul said his officers had sealed the equipment from the factory late evening Monday (Nov 30)
He said the machinery in the factory have been sealed by the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH), while the Batu Gajah District Council has issued a stop work order.
“The relevant department officials, together with state Environment Committee chairman Ahmad Saidi Mohamad Daud and Teja assemblyman Sandra Ng were present during the visit to the factory.
“The items were believed to be burnt inside a furnace,” he added.
Earlier, farmers at the surrounding area had complained about the factory polluting the air, water and destroying their crops.
Leow Chee Lip, 50, who has a durian orchard, said he believed that the factory was set up illegally for over a year now.
He said the factory does not have any signboard at its premises, and the burning is being conducted round-the-clock.
“There are about ten workers, including foreign workers who have been running the place.
“The burning during the evenings gets worse, and when it rains, the frequency of the burning increases,” he claimed.
Leow said his crops, and that of other farmers, have been destroyed and even the fish that he reared at his farm had died.
He said there were black spots on their crops due to the residue from the burning activities.
“Most of us are unable to sell our produce due to the contamination from the burning,” he added.
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