ENVIRONMENTALISTS insist calls to move factories from Pasir Gudang in Johor won’t work, as it will just transfer pollution to another area.

Authorities must change their mindset to solve this issue, as measures suggested by several quarters will be nothing more than Band-Aid fixes, they said.

After the recurrence of pollution in the district, several quarters have suggested moving out the factories, creating a buffer zone between factories and residential areas and even setting up Department of Environment bureaus at industrial areas to monitor pollution.

Malaysian Nature Society (MNS) vice-president Vincent Chow told The Malaysian Insight what is needed is a change in mentality and strengthening of enforcement agencies.

“Talk is easy, but there is no land for them (factories) to move to. Some people are suggesting buffer zones without finding out the situation on the ground.

“The factories were approved by government agencies, including the local authority, the land office, DoE, you cannot simply move them now,” Chow said.

The pollution will just move to another area, he said, adding that there must be a change in mindset at federal and state levels to combat this problem.

“If we merely move the factories elsewhere, the pollution problem remains. It’s just that another area will be polluted.”

Teh Kee Sin, a former Pasir Gudang local councillor of 11 years, said a local DoE bureau should be set up to monitor the factories.

“No need for further suggestions, just set up another branch and monitor the factories 24 hours,” Teh said.

He said DoE should cooperate with other authorities and groups to form an effective enforcement network.

Teh also suggested that industrial areas be reorganised, including marking factories to help the public identify light and heavy polluters.

Teh, who is a former president of the SME Association of Malaysia, said factories have evolved over the years and so did their methods in curbing pollution.

“DoE should instruct factories to resubmit their health-impact reports.

“Just like how some consumers are now requesting better environmental protection, these aspects need to be strictly enforced as well.”

Teh also suggested that factories hire specialists to manage waste or hire qualified trainers to teach staff how to protect the environment. – July 16, 2019.