Civic Group Petitions Control Yuan Over Illegal Factory Operations in Taichung; City Government: Fined NT$1.77 Million

A civic group today petitioned the Control Yuan, alleging that the Taichung City Government tolerated illegal factory operations, urging the Control Yuan to investigate. The Taichung City Government responded that it has already imposed fines totaling NT$1.77 million across 12 instances and demanded the factory cease operations, threatening to cut off water and electricity if necessary. The civic group pointed out that Huali Steel Co. in Taichung continued to operate after being ordered to stop, and the city government did not use compulsory measures like cutting off water and electricity, raising suspicions of favoritism and dereliction of duty. The Taichung City Government's Economic Development Bureau stated that the factory failed to register according to regulations, resulting in cumulative fines of NT$1.77 million and an order to cease operations. For the factory's continued refusal to stop, the bureau will enforce water and electricity cut-offs as per the Factory Counseling and Management Act to maintain industrial order. The Economic Development Bureau noted that the factory is located at No. 2, Lane 2, Zhongzheng Road, Wufeng District, operating under the name 'Huali Steel Co.' for steel bar cutting. The bureau has received public complaints since September 2022, conducted multiple inspections, and imposed fines according to law. The Environmental Protection Bureau stated that the factory was complained about for operational noise in 2022. After inspection and sound level measurements, it complied with regulations after a deadline for improvement. The bureau will investigate any future related complaints according to regulations. (Editor: Chen Ren-hua) 1150417