A scrapyard in the southern Johor state of Malaysia was recently burnt by angry villagers. The villagers alleged that government officials had failed to take any action against Sun Enterprise, the scrapyard, that was found to be polluting the environment. They said the company had been burning their wastes in such a manner that it filled the air with a noxious stench, that could effect the health of children. About 50 residents, some armed with sticks and machetes, charged into the scrapyard compound and poured gasoline on its main building, an office and workers' quarters before lighting the fire. Tengku Bakry Shah, director of Johor's department of environment, said that the scrapyard owner was unable to produce operating licenses when the scrapyard was inspected. He said the firm melted down metal to produce new products, but the byproduct, aluminum ash, was being dumped outside the plant grounds. He said though the ash was not harmful, the department would order a clean up.