JOHOR BAHRU (July 11): The operating permit of a factory carrying out metal and e-waste recycling activities in Industrial Area 2, near Segamat, was suspended immediately today after it was found to have caused air pollution.

State Local Government, Urban Well-being and Environment Committee chairman Tan Cheng Choon said that the action was taken against the premises after an integrated operation yesterday.

He said that this following complaints of air pollution recently which was believed to have affected residents in Kampung Baru Kwongsai, Tenang and Labis.

An investigation by the Segamat Municipal Council (MPS) found the premises had a trading permit which was approved by the MPS and there were no floutings of the stipulated conditions.

In addition, the premises had also been licensed by the Department of Environment (DOE) of Johor for full recovery of e-waste.

"However, investigation found that the factory had flouted the Environment Quality Act 1974 through an increase in the system to process metal without the permission of DOE and without proper control.

"As such, DOE has taken the action to stop the operations of the factory equipment and suspended its operating permit," he said in a statement.