GEORGE TOWN: State Environment Committee chairman Phee Boon Poh appeared at the magistrate’s court here for a remand hearing this morning.
He was arrested yesterday to facilitate a probe into an illegal factory at Bukit Mertajam here.
Also produced in court were the illegal carbon filter factory's 70-year-old manager and his 37-year-old son, the factory's director.
Ramkarpal Singh and R.S.N. Rayer represented Phee, while Dev Kumaraendran appeared for the father and son.
Phee and his co-accused arrived at the courthouse at about 10.10am in three separate vehicles.
All were clad in orange Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) lock-up t-shirts and were handcuffed separately.
Phee was the first to be led in, followed by the son and father.
On Thursday, the MACC and several other government agencies raided the illegal carbon filter factory in Sungai Lembu, Bukit Mertajam.
The raid was prompted by alleged inaction by state authorities over the existence of the illegal factory, despite countless of complaints lodged.
Also raided were the factory's office and the Seberang Prai Municipal Council's Licensing Department office, both in Banda Press, Bukit Mertajam.
Present to lend support to Phee were state DAP leaders and other supporters.
Chants of "Sokong Boon Poh" (support Boon Poh) and "MACC jangan buli" (MACC, don't be a bully) were heard.
Supporters also bore banners which read "Solidariti Bersama Phee Boon Poh" (Solidarity with Phee Boon Poh).