GEORGE TOWN: The Department of Environment (DOE) ordered an illegal factory in Sungai Lembu which is at the centre of a graft probe to cease operations today.
The order follows a visit by a team of six DOE officers to the illegal carbon filter-processing factory earlier today.
The team arrived at about 12.15pm in two sports utility vehicles and took a tour of the factory.
The officers were seen inspecting sawdust pits and speaking to two workers.
Several contractors were spotted at the factory earlier, collecting stocks of carbon – but left when the officers showed up.
It is learnt that the factory was not able to shut down its operations immediately, as its sawdust pits were still burning.
A fire engine was seen entering the premises at 1.25pm to extinguish the fires.