{
  "id": 18484044,
  "title": "Group says ‘no’ to recycling machine at Jelutong landfill",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/06/group-says-no-to-recycling-machine-at-jelutong-landfill-18484044",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-06T08:56:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Free Malaysia Today",
    "slug": "free-malaysia-today-freemalays",
    "url": "https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2026/11/06/group-says-no-to-recycling-machine-at-jelutong-landfill"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "ProtectKarpal Drive Action Committee has expressed strong opposition to a proposed recycling machine at the Jelutong landfill, arguing that the project poses significant risks to local residents. The committee questioned why residents should face the dangers of industrial-scale waste processing, suggesting that off-site treatment at properly equipped facilities should be assessed as an alternative. They highlighted potential issues such as fine particulate matter, noise, odour, and the release of landfill gases and contaminants from disturbing buried waste. The group called for an independent evaluation of transporting excavated waste to suitable off-site facilities with proper zoned locations, enclosed processing systems, pollution controls, and safe disposal arrangements. Executive councillor Hng Mooi Lye announced on Wednesday that PLB Engineering Bhd, the project's developer, was granted another extension until January 31 to secure planning permission for the recycling machine installation. Hng confirmed the extension was approved on October 28. The councillor noted that PLB had submitted an application to Penang PLANMalaysia on November 2 for the limited period planning permission. However, PLB had previously failed to obtain environmental approval on five prior occasions, resulting in the state government granting multiple extensions. The latest extension expired on October 18. ProtectKarpal was angered by this extension, pointing out that Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow had previously pledged that no further extensions would be granted after October 18. The group demanded an explanation from Chow for reversing his public commitment and requested disclosure of the environmental and planning assessments that supported the decision.",
  "summary": "ProtectKarpal asks why residents should face the risks of industrial-scale waste processing when off-site treatment is a possible alternative.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}