KULAI: The state government has launched a comprehensive zoning and legalisation initiative aimed at identifying and regulating unlicensed factories in the district.
Johor Housing and Local Government Committee Chairman Datuk Mohd Jafni Md Shukor said the initiative was aimed at addressing long-standing pollution concerns, particularly carbon emissions and river contamination from unauthorised factories operating outside the designated industrial zones.
"Two tyre factories that were suspected of causing pollution were closed.
"The main issue in Kulai involved older factories operating illegally outside the approved industrial zones," Jafni told a press conference after the launch of the Iskandar Puteri Low Carbon Carnival 2024, held at the city council, here, yesterday.
Under the new initiative, industrial operators will be required to relocate to specified zones, which will allow the relevant authorities to enforce environmental and safety standards more effectively.
"With proper zoning, enforcement becomes more manageable, and if pollution incidents occur, we can respond immediately," he added.
The zoning process, or "pemutihan" (legalisation), will entail regulatory adjustments, including easing certain municipal council's requirements on building plans and fire safety compliance, to facilitate older factories in meeting the legal standards.
Jafni also encouraged the public to report any illegal operations, especially those linked to pollution.
"Community awareness is high, and complaints are always welcome for prompt action," he added