ACTING based on tip-offs, Subang Jaya City Council (MBSJ) held a joint operation to raid and seal off a business premises in USJ 1 for operating without proper licences.
The joint enforcement operation involved officers from the Selangor Customs Department and Petaling District and Land Office.
It was carried out on Monday (June 26) afternoon at the business premises located in Taman Perindustrian USJ 1, Subang Jaya.
“MBSJ issued two notices to the business operator for not having a business licence and not having an advertising licence,” said MBSJ Enforcement Department deputy director Muhd Iskandar Azmi.
“The notices were issued under MBSJ’s Trade, Business and Industry Licensing By-Law. Each notice carries a maximum compound of RM1,000.”
He explained that the joint operation saw each participating agency checking for activities and offences under their respective jurisdictions, with MBSJ focusing on the lack of licence aspect.
“The business owner of this premises had submitted a licensing application to MBSJ about three to four months ago,” said Muhd Iskandar.
“That application was rejected as it contradicted the land use for this part of USJ 1 under MBSJ’s Local Plan (Rancangan Tempatan or RT), which is only for warehousing purposes.
“Based on checks and investigations by MBSJ, this premises was found to be carrying out manufacturing activities in addition to being used as a warehouse.”
He added that the business premises was also used for the manufacturing of tobacco, and tobacco products come under the purview of the Customs Department.
(No Customs Department officers were authorised to speak to the media on its inspections and action taken during the raid.)
“If the business operator wants to legalise his business, he will need to get the Customs Department’s approval for the import/export of tobacco and other related paperwork,” said Muhd Iskandar.
“Once that is approved, he can then submit a letter of recommendation from the Customs Department to MBSJ and we will advise him on the best option in order to get the relevant council licences.”
As Taman Perindustrian USJ 1 is only meant for warehousing, Muhd Iskandar said the business owner will have to relocate elsewhere if he wants to continue his tobacco manufacturing business.
