By Sheeda Fathil
SHAH ALAM, Nov 7 — The state government is willing to listen to the grouses of and issues faced by illegal factory operators in Selangor, which resulted in them failing to register their businesses legally.
State executive councillor for local government Ng Suee Lim said this was why he conducted a town hall session with unlicensed factory owners and operators, held for the first time yesterday.
“Apart from providing them the opportunity to seek clarification from the relevant agencies, the state government also wants to listen to the issues faced.
“This is why I, as the executive councillor responsible for resolving this issue, decided to organise this town hall.
“I am ready to listen to the views, proposals and grouses about issues related to the (registration) process which caused the state’s previous whitening programme to fail,” he said at the programme’s opening.
The town hall session, held at the Shah Alam City Council Convention Centre, was attended by over 1,000 illegal factory operators and owners operating in the state capital.
Ng commended the large turnout while expressing confidence that yesterday’s meeting will result in a positive outcome.
“I am convinced via this town hall, the state government will be able to formulate a more dynamic and holistic action plan. When this new policy is in place, I hope all factory operators and owners will provide full cooperation.
“I would also like to ask the local councils to assist to ensure more illegal factories are registered based on the set timeframe,” he said.
A similar town hall session is set to be organised by the Klang Municipal Council soon.
