A TOTAL of 76 industrial premises in Kepala Batas have been registered under the Environmental Control Electronic System (eKAS), says state Environment and Housing Committee chairman Datuk Seri S. Sundarajoo (PH-Perai).
He said the system only recorded licensed factories and did not include factories operating without licences.
“The 76 registered premises are subject to the Environmental Quality Act 1974,” he said when replying to Pinang Tunggal assemblyman Bukhori Ghazali during the State Legislative Assembly sitting.
Sundarajoo, who replied on behalf of the Chief Minister, said the Penang Department of Environment (DOE) regularly conducted monitoring and enforcement to ensure industrial premises complied with environmental regulations.
“Action would be taken against premises found violating the regulations or operating without approval, including issuing notices, compounds and prosecution.
The DOE also carried out daily patrols, periodic inspections and joint operations with other agencies under its Open Burning Prevention Operations to address air pollution and fire risks.
On measures to prevent illegal factories, Sundarajoo said the state would strengthen monitoring and inspections of industrial areas to detect unlicensed operations at an early stage.
He said cooperation between the DOE, local authorities, Fire and Rescue Department, police, Land and Mines Office and other technical agencies would also be strengthened.
Other measures included tightening the licensing approval process to ensure factory locations and activities complied with land-use, planning and environmental requirements.
“Firm enforcement action will be taken against owners and operators of factories operating without licences, including orders to stop operations and court prosecution,” he said.
He added that all public complaints concerning suspected illegal factory operations would be investigated and appropriate action taken.
Story by Edmund Lee