Klang council admits problem closing down illegal plastic plants

Plastic parts and waste dumped at a site in Kampung Teluk Gong, Klang. (Bernama pic.)

KLANG: The Klang Municipal Council (MPK) has admitted difficulties in curbing illegal plastic recycling activities following delays by the utility companies in cutting off electricity and water supply to the plants.

As such, Selangor Local Government, Public Transportation and New Village Development Committee chairman Ng Sze Han said he would discuss the problem with the Energy Commission and National Water Services Commission.

“The activities of illegal recycling factories located in other areas under the Kuala Langat District Council, the Kuala Selangor District Council and the Hulu Selangor District Council have stopped but in Klang many illegal factories are still operating.

“This is because electricity and water supply to the plants has not been cut off even though MPK had written to Tenaga Nasional Berhad and Air Selangor,” Ng told reporters after taking part in an integrated operation against illegal plastic plants at Kampung Telok Gong here today.

Also present were Environment, Green Technology, Science, Technology and Innovation and Consumer Affairs Committee chairman Hee Loy Sian and Port Klang assemblyman Azmizam Zaman Huri.

During the operation, several illegal plastic factories were raided and sealed.

A factory believed to have been sealed early last month was found operating secretly late at night and early in the morning.

The raid was conducted after residents complained to MPK about the emission of foul smell following the daily burning of plastic materials by illegal factories.

Ng also said surveillance on the illegal factories had been difficult and ineffective because of the vast area covered by MPK.

“These illegal factories are not only here (Telok Gong) but also in Pulau Indah, Meru, and Air Hitam, and the most effective way is to cut off water and electricity supply,” he said.

There are 41 illegal plastic recycling factories operating in Klang, and action has been taken against 10 of them.

It was reported last month that residents had complained that illegal plastic and tyre recycling factories were still operating around Kampung Teluk Gong although they had been sealed by MPK. - FMT