‘Clarify sawdust pit death claim’

GEORGE TOWN: The controversy over the illegal factory in Sungai Lembu, Bukit Mertajam continues with fresh claims alleging the death of a lorry driver who fell into one of the pits of burning sawdust.

The driver suffered 93% burns and succumbed to his injuries that day on May 6, 2015.

A blog known as www.thethirdforce.net also revealed a report that the Department of Environment (DoE) would only support the factory’s operation if the sawdust was burnt to make carbon in a closed environment. It also reported that the department was against the factory’s lack of facilities to control the release of smoke from its burning pits.

The blog also revealed two Seberang Prai Municipal Council (MPSP) notices to the factory advising the owner to cease operations.

Penang MCA Youth chief Datuk Michael Lee urged Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng and state Environment Committee chairman Phee Boon Poh to clarify the revelations.

“If the state government was willing to reveal meeting minutes, then clarify these other documents. Otherwise, people will think something is not right,” he said in a statement.

Penanti assemblyman Dr Norlela Ariffin posted in Facebook that there was another letter from DoE advising MPSP to close down the illegal carbon production factory.

“That letter exists as I received notification from MPSP that it would demolish the factory after receiving it from DoE,” said Dr Norlela.

Penang Gerakan vice-chairman Oh Tong Keong empathised with Dr Norlela and urged Permatang Pauh MP Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail to state her stand because the factory was in her constituency. Meanwhile, Lim and Phee denied any knowledge of the DoE letter described by Dr Norlela.

Phee urged her to reveal the letter if she had a copy.