PRAI – Two plastic recycling factories here were raided yesterday for violating state environmental regulations.
Penang Environment Department director Sharifah Zakiah Syed Sahab said one of the factories is even operating without approval from an environmental impact assessment report.
She said the factory, which is equipped with extruder, shredder and crusher machines, has been operating at night until early hours of the morning, with residents complaining of noise pollution.
“The factory has also been carrying out plastic waste washing operations without an industrial effluent processing system.
“Further investigation found that it has a plastic waste approved permit from the National Solid Waste Management Department in the Bukit Minyak industrial area.”
On the other factory, Sharifah Zakiah said the owner has failed to operate and maintain an air pollution control system.
She said the factory’s plastic mould injection activities are found to be the cause of black dust pollution in the surrounding area.
“Failure to operate and maintain a proper air pollution control system is an offence under Regulation 7 (3) of the Environmental Quality (Clean Air) Regulations 2014.”
She said in the raids, the department seized machinery and issued a notice of instruction under Section 38 of the Environmental Quality Act 1974 to both factories.
She added that investigation is still ongoing.
The public can channel complaints to the department by calling 1-800-88-2727, sending an email or visiting its portal. – The Vibes, March 4, 2021
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