Unlicensed factories that pollute, won’t be legalised says Selangor exco

Unlicensed factories that pollute, won’t be legalised says Selangor exco

Selangor government says although it has a programme to allow illegal factories to apply for a licence, it will not compromise over factories causing pollution.

Enforcement officers inspect a factory which is alleged to have polluted the Selangor river. (Bernama pic)
PETALING JAYA:
Selangor’s Local Government, Public Transport and New Village Development Committee chairman Ng Sze Han said the government will not allow operators of illegal factories causing pollution to participate in the state’s factory legalisation programme.

“No way we would allow factories that cause pollution (to participate). No way. They cannot join the programme,” Ng said.

He told the Selangor state legislative assembly that 200 illegal plastic factories had been shut down by the state government working with the local councils.

The state’s legalisation exercise for unlicensed factories was initially set to end on Sept 30, but has been extended to the end of the year. Enforcement activities against them have also been suspended.

Ng had said the period was extended following the reinstated conditional movement control order (CMCO).

He had previously said the state government felt that these factories should be given the opportunity to apply for a licence.

It was reported that there were 5,589 illegal factories operating throughout Selangor, 869 of which were located near rivers, with a large number located downstream or after water treatment plant intake points.

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