GEORGE TOWN: Two local authorities have been weeding out illegal plastic recycling factories.
Representatives revealed that there was one illegal plastic processing factory on the island and 14 on the mainland.
They also revealed that action had been taken against the factories.
Penang Island City Council (MBPP) secretary Addnan Mohd Razali said an illegal plastic recycling factory was found operating in Jalan Batu Maung, here, in 2001.
“The factory ceased operations after MBPP issued a notice.
“We regularly conduct monitoring to ensure no illegal plastic recycling factories are operating on the island,” he said today.
Seberang Prai Municipal Council member P. David Marshall said summons were issued to 14 illegal plastic factories in mainland Penang.
He said the council had proceeded with legal action against the factories, which were still operational.
“We are also reviewing the 404 licensed plastic factories to ensure that they are not importing plastic waste.
“We are quite serious in tackling the issue of illegal plastic recycling factories and importation of plastic waste,” he said.
Malaysia has taken firm steps to avoid becoming the world’s dumping ground.
Today, Energy, Science, Technology, Environment and Climate Change Minister Yeo Bee Yin oversaw the shipping of 450 metric tonnes of contaminated plastic waste back to their countries of origin.