SHAH ALAM: The fate of a battery factory accused of causing air, land and soil pollution will be known at the end of this month.
Kampung Jenjarom residents have been protesting against the factory, which they have blamed for lead contamination.
Selangor Environment, Green Technology and Consumer Affairs Committee chairman Hee Loy Sian said the state would decide whether the factory, based at the Jenjarom Industrial Area in Kuala Langat, would be allowed to stay at its present location.
Hee said the Kuala Langat District Council (MDKL) was waiting for reports from government agencies tasked to investigate the possibility of air, water and soil pollution by the factory.
The agencies involved are the Selangor Health Department, Department of Occupational Safety and Health, Mineral and Geoscience Department, Selangor Water Management Authority, Environment Department (DoE) as well as the Drainage and Irrigation Department.
“MDKL has been instructed to coordinate and lead the collection of the studies by mid-August from all the agencies.
“MDKL will be required to prepare a comprehensive report to be presented to the Selangor Economic Action Council, which will make a decision at the end of August.
“I hope residents living near the factory will remain patient while we wait for the results of the investigations and studies, as well as the decision from the state.
“In the meantime, the state will also ensure that DoE monitors the situation and activities taking place in the factory closely,” said Hee in a statement today.
He said the state was committed to taking appropriate actions in accordance to the law and would not compromise on the factory’s possible impact on the environment and the wellbeing of the people.
Hee was responding to Kampung Jenjarom folks, who during the peaceful protest along Jalan Sukepi yesterday, demanded that the factory halt its operations and move to a heavy industrial zone.
The villagers as well as the Kuala Langat Environmental Action Group had claimed that the factory had been carrying out lead melting when they were only allowed to fill acid into batteries.
This released lead fumes into the air and contaminated the soil and drain water.
The factory’s business operating licence was cancelled in March following the discovery of the illegal activities by MDKL.
Residents were shocked to learn that MDKL had then granted the factory a temporary business operating licence from June 19 to Aug 19.
Hee said the state government had taken note of the peaceful protest by the residents and their dissatisfaction with MDKL over the
decision to issue the temporary licence that was made after taking into consideration the letter of support from technical departments, including Putrajaya DoE.
“We respect the right to assemble and will always hear the woes of the people.
“We are ready to discuss with all stakeholders in matters related to development, especially those that involve the people.
“The Selangor state government is always concerned with environmental pollution and will never compromise with any parties that flout or do not adhere to the existing standards and regulations.
“However, we also need to be fair to all parties, including investors operating in the state, if they adhere and submit applications that meet the stipulated conditions and regulations,” he said.