Illegal Fibre Glass Boat Workshop Threatens Kuala Sungai Acheh Villagers

The Consumers Association of Penang (CAP) urged the state government of Penang and Seberang Perai Municipal Council (MPSP) to take immediate action to stop the operation of a fibre glass boat making and repair workshop which is operating illegally in Kampung Kuala Sungai Acheh near Nibong Tebal here.

Stringent measures should be taken as the workshop owner did not get permission or operating licence from the Local Authority and is also causing pollution which affects the lives of more than 10 families living near the workshop, 50 fishermen based near the workshop, as well as hundreds of motorists who pass by this area every day.

In addition to the strong chemical smell from the glue, fibre glass dust released from the workshop has caused nearby residents to suffer from skin irritation. The workshop is also located on a river reserve and very close to one of the houses in this village.

CAP is disappointed that although three weeks ago the Seberang Perai Selatan District and Land Office had directed the workshop operator to remove the zinc fence surrounding the workshop and stop operations, but until now the directive has yet to be complied by the workshop operator.

CAP’s survey two days ago found that workers in the workshop are actively carrying out repair work and making the fibre glass boats. The workshop wall fencing has not been demolished, and we found that various types of waste have been dumped beside the drain and river here.

CAP hopes the state government, MPSP, District and Land Office of Seberang Perai Selatan (SPS) and the Department of Environment (DOE) take legal action against the workshop operator and ensure that the workshop ceases operations immediately. CAP is very disappointed that although the workshop is known to be operating illegally and causing serious pollution problems that can be detrimental to the health of the villagers but this illegal operation is allowed to continue without any effective action taken.

CAP believes that if the state government and the responsible authority takes this matter lightly and allows the workshop to continue operations, it will imperil the environment and wellbeing of the people here more seriously in the future. CAP requests that the government enforces the law stringently and not just pay lip service.

Press Release 30 March 2015