MELAKA: The power supply to an aluminium smelting plant at Cheng here was cut by the Melaka Environment Department (DOE) over allegations of air pollution.

       Melaka housing, local government and environment committee chairman Datuk Zaidi Attan said the electricity supply was cut after the plant management continued to operate despite a stop-work order issued under Section 38 of the Environmental Quality Act 1974 on Aug 20 last year.

       “DOE has been receiving a number of complaints on the supposed air pollution caused by the plant and the latest was on Feb 16.

       “There were also four grievances filed by the public on the plant over the alleged pollution,” he said after visiting the plant on Wednesday (March 23).

       Zaidi said the operating permit of the plant issued by the Melaka Historic City Council (MBMB) was also revoked on Wednesday.

       “We took stringent steps to prohibit the plant from continuing to operate," he said.

       The plant, which has been operating since 2016, will be allowed to reopen once the management has complied with all requirements set by the authorities, he added.

       He said DOE had also issued 23 compound notices, especially for air pollution, but the management continued to operate the plant.

       Zaidi added that DOE was preparing three investigation papers and seeking legal options to stop the plant from operating until it is in full compliance.