Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said state executive councillor Phee Boon Poh, who is in charge of environmental matters, has been monitoring the matter very closely with the help of the local authorities.

Earlier, The Star reported a plastic dumpsite as big as six football fields operating at Machang Bubok, Bukit Mertajam.

The plastic dumpsite has been operating at a disused sand quarry. The dumpsite is located about 100 metres from a oil palm estate where barrels of unidentified waste chemicals were discovered last week.

The Seberang Perai Municipal Council earlier said no permits were issued for the dumpsite.

Machang Bubok assemblyman Lee Khai Loon said several reports had been sent to the Department of Environment but no action had been taken.

Chow said while “genuine” recycling factories are welcome, they must operate according to the law or risk being shut down.

He said previous attempts by the local authorities to close down certain dumpsites or recycling centres were met with legal suits.

“Local councils have been issuing summonses and have been challenged by the operators.

“For example, they have filed suits against the local council in Nibong Tebal.”