Local authorities have power to shut down factories, says minister

MARAN: Local authorities have the power to close factories that violate the Covid-19 standard operating procedures (SOP), said Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Zuraida Kamaruddin.

She said they could enforce the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act (Act 342) together with the Local Government Act 1976 (Act 171).

“On June 29, the federal government delegated the power to local authorities to take action against any party, including individuals, companies and factories that do not comply with the SOP and they can be compounded through Act 342.”

She said local authorities can take court action after closing errant factories.

Zuraida was speaking at a media conference after attending a Community Vaccine Mobilisation outreach programme at Kampung Serengkam and Kampung Orang Asli Merbau here yesterday.

Also present were Deputy Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Abd Muttalib and Deputy National Unity Minister Datuk Seri Ti Lian Ker.

On Wednesday, Selangor local government and public transport committee chairman Ng Sze Han was reported to have said that local authorities do not have the power to close down factories to curb the spread of Covid-19 because the power lay with the federal government. Zuraida also said the Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry has allocated 225,000 doses of vaccine to the Housing and Local Government Ministry and the National Unity Ministry to provide vaccination for Orang Asli, Felda settlers, traditional villagers, hawkers and residents of People’s Housing Programmes.

She added that in Sabah and Sarawak, the National Unity Ministry will work with Rukun Tetangga communities whose residents’ committee chairmen will be asked to make phone calls to ensure that people register and keep their vaccination appointments.

On the outreach programme in Maran, Zuraida said 1,000 residents will be vaccinated.