The issue of illegal factories in Penang will be included in the Penang BN manifesto for the 14th general election.

State Gerakan vice-chairperson, Oh Tong Keong said this would be proposed to Penang BN chairperson Teng Chang Yeow for discussion at its meeting next month.

“We hope the issue of illegal factories will be part of the state BN manifesto. We will propose it to Teng to bring it up at the state BN meeting with BN strategic communications director Abdul Rahman Dahlan scheduled for next month,” he told a press conference, in Georgetown, today.

Last week, the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) conducted an operation at the illegal wood-processing factory in Kampung Sungai Lembu, Bukit Mertajam, which was believed to be polluting the environment in the village.

The MACC also seized several documents from the Seberang Perai Municipal Council (MPSP) office in Bandar Perda to facilitate the investigation into the case.

Subsequently, the MACC detained Penang state executive council member Phee Boon Poh as well as the director and manager of the factory to assist in the investigation.

The illegal factory issue was brought up by PKR's Penanti assemblyperson, Norlela Ariffin, at the state assembly sitting. She claimed that there were many illegal factories operating in her constituency without any action taken by the state government.

On Aug 11, the MACC arrested Phee over alleged letters issued by his office.

It is believed that the letters involved an illegal factory in Seberang Perai. Phee oversees the environment, welfare, and caring society portfolio.

- Bernama