GEORGE TOWN: Inaction by the state authorities despite complaints lodged against a coating factory has prompted a resident of Kampung Tok Suboh in Bukit Mertajam to lodge a report with the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) to investigate possible interference by “hidden hands” in the state.
Ong Chin Giap, 43, said despite more than 10 reports lodged with state departments and agencies, and more than 10 press conferences, no solution was in sight for him and 10 other family members.
Ong said their nightmare started a year after the factory began operations in 2014, where he and his wife started suffering from skin-related problems, while their three children were often down with sore throat.
Met by newsmen outside the state MACC building here yesterday, he showed those present his skin condition and a file filled with reports lodged.
This also included a meeting chaired by state Welfare, Caring Society and Environment Committee chairman Phee Boon Poh, discussing the air pollution surrounding the factory.
“I am desperate and I have no choice but to go to MACC, after all official doors have shut on me to report the matter.
“My family and I are suffering, but no one is coming forward to hear and help us out. We are at our wit’s end,” he said.
In another development, residents at Lorong Jelutong here urged the authorities to investigate a structure near their homes, which they claimed emitted a foul stench at night.
The building, covered almost entirely in zinc panelling, has raised suspicion among locals that it could be an illegal factory.
There are no signages outside the building to indicate the nature of its operations. Pieces of wood, water pipes and roof tiles were seen placed at designated shelves near the entrance.
Its entrance also appears to be equipped with closed-circuit television cameras.
Residents told the New Straits Times that the factory-like hardware and construction material store has been operating there since 2009. They claimed that at that time, it was only operating on a small scale. Today, it is as large as three badminton courts.
A resident, who only wanted to be known as Hooi, said they were in the dark over what went on in the building.
“We do not know what are they doing or producing, but we can smell something foul, especially at night. It does not happen frequently, only occasionally.
“Residents had reported the matter to the local council when the building first came up but it appears nothing was done. Instead, the building has since expanded in size.”
The NST contacted the Penang Island City Council to verify the legitimacy of the building’s operation.
A spokesman said the council would issue a statement after carrying out checks.