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LAHAD DATU: A scrap metal collection and processing business operating in a commercial area has been ordered to cease operations at its current premises within a week and relocate to a more suitable site.

Chairman of Enforcement of the Majlis Daerah Lahad Datu (MDLD), Mohd Syahid Gulam, said the premises had been the subject of public complaints for about four years.

During that period, several compounds and enforcement notices had been issued, with another compound served during the latest inspection.

He said the operator had agreed to relocate the business by the end of July. However, he noted that the proposed new site may not be suitable for such an operation.

“We hope the District Council will thoroughly assess any proposed relocation site before granting a licence to ensure it is appropriate for industrial activities and compatible with its surrounding environment,” he said.

Mohd Syahid said this after a site inspection on Tuesday involving MDLD enforcement officers, councillors and affected stakeholders.

Following discussions with the business owner, the operator gave an assurance that the business would relocate by the end of July.

Representing the affected community, Lincoln Liaw welcomed the outcome of the discussions and thanked the council for taking action after years of complaints to the relevant authorities.

He said complaints had been submitted to the council and other agencies over the past two to four years, and residents were encouraged to finally see progress towards resolving the issue.

Lincoln stressed that the community was not seeking to stop the business from operating but hoped it could continue at a more suitable industrial location away from residential and commercial areas.

He also urged the council to closely monitor the relocation process to ensure the operator honours its commitment to move by the agreed deadline.

“Residents have raised concerns about dust generated during operations, noise from heavy machinery that sometimes continued into the late evening, and traffic congestion caused by heavy vehicles parking along nearby roads,” he said.

MDLD Councillor Tan Cheng Teng said the priority was to protect public health while allowing businesses to continue operating in locations better suited to their activities.

He said the relocation should benefit both the operator and the surrounding community, adding that businesses should continue to comply with local regulations, which are intended to safeguard public wellbeing rather than create unnecessary obstacles for traders.