SELANGOR assemblymen are unhappy that the state will not stop the import of recyclable plastics indefinitely despite the Federal Government’s pro-green efforts.

Dr Idris Ahmad (PH-Ijok) asked the state if it had the political will to totally ban the import of plastics considering the amount of plastic waste and the danger it posed in Selangor.

State Environment, Green Technology, Consumer and Non-Islamic Affairs Committee chairman Hee Loy Sian said the government had to be fair to factories that had spent millions of ringgit.

“We don’t have the jurisdiction to stop the import because it falls under the Federal Government, but we have suggested that the state should control imports.

“This was done by freezing imports for three months until Oct 23,” Hee said.

He added that the Housing and Local Government Ministry was responsible for giving out licences relevant to imports to local factories.

“We need to be fair to factories that have complied with all the regulations and procedures set out by the Department of Environment as well as invested millions to address any environmental issues.”

Hee said the factories had a right to import recyclable plastics.

In the case of illegal factories, Hee said the local authorities were taking drastic action against them by shutting down premises and issuing compounds.

“We are making sure that the import is done with a higher levy and only clean, high quality plastic waste can be imported,” he added.