THERE have been incidents where Environment Department (DoE) officers inspecting illegal plastic-recycling factories were “monitored” by unidentified individuals, said its Selangor director.

“However, nothing untoward has happened to officers doing enforcement work,” Shafee Yasir told Bernama today.

He was commenting on claims by residents of Teluk Gong, Klang, that an influential individual is protecting such factories in the area.

However, state Local Government, Public Transport and New Villages Permanent Committee chairman Ng Sze Han denied the allegations.

“So far, seven illegal plastic-recycling factories in Teluk Gong have been detected and subjected to action. Enforcement action will continue.

“If the allegations… are backed by evidence, the government will not hesitate to take action.”

Meanwhile, Shafee said Malaysia permits the import of used plastics only for recycling, and not to be dumped.

“Dirty, contaminated plastics cannot be imported. However, some importers mix them in.

“This has caused us problems… as contaminated plastics need to be cleaned before they can be recycled.

“The dirt from these plastics pollutes our drains and rivers. That’s why they are not allowed to be brought in.”

He added that DoE is working with the Customs Department to prevent the entry of contaminated plastics into the country. – Bernama, May 29, 2019.