NIBONG TEBAL – An illegal beancurd skin (foo chuk) factory found swarming with flies and with a kitten carcass is facing court action.
The Seberang Prai City Council (MBSP) is taking legal action against the factory in Sg Jawi that has been operating for about 40 years.
Mayor Datuk Rozali Mohamud said that the factory has continued operations despite being slapped with a RM500 compound and a stop-work notice.
“MBSP issued the compound under its Licence Payment By-Law 1980 for operating without a valid licence.
“The enforcement department also issued a notice ordering the company to cease its operations within three days from the date of issue on February 19.
“However, it is still operating, and we are gathering information to file the case in court,” Rozali was quoted as saying in The Star.
It was reported that the land on which the factory sits has been zoned for agricultural use under the Penang Structure Plan 2030 and no planning permission was approved for the site.
On February 18, Health Department investigators were appalled by what they found during a raid and issued five compounds totalling RM8,500.
There were swarms of flies and a dead kitten mere metres from where workers were preparing foo chuk for drying.
Wooden planks were used as dividers in the processing trays for soy milk while dogs were found wandering in the food processing area.
The factory is said to have been under surveillance by investigators for a month before action was taken.
The foo chuk, sold locally, is packed under different brands. – The Vibes, March 5, 2021
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