JOHOR BAHRU, Aug 11 — The Johor government has set up a special team to investigate claims that construction waste from Singapore is illegally dumped in Pontian.
Johor Housing and Local Government Committee chairman Datuk Mohd Jafni Md Shukor said the team was formed with an integrated approach to enable a comprehensive investigation into the allegations.
“The special team will involve several agencies, including local authorities, the police, district offices and also the Solid Waste Management Corporation (SWCorp).
“This is to ensure that allegations of illegal dumping can be identified and investigated thoroughly, including if the activities are stil taking place,” he told reporters after a visit to an illegal scrap recycling premise in Kampung Maju Jaya in Kempas here today.
Mohd Jafni was responding to claims that construction waste from Singapore had entered Johor and was dumped in Pontian.
He said any waste brought in from Singapore and dumped in Johor without the necessary permits or approvals should not be allowed.
“We will not compromise on the matter. We will take appropriate action based on the laws in force,” he said.
Mohd Jafni said authorities have received reports regarding the allegations that were detected in Sungai Karang, Pontian and several nearby areas, but they are still under investigation.
He said that if the probe finds that the activities are still occurring, an integrated enforcement team will be immediately mobilised.
“The state government will not compromise if there were parties who took advantage of Johor as a location for illegal waste disposal.
“An integrated enforcement action is important to ensure that the issue did not recur and to protect the interests of the people and environment.
Earlier, it was reported that DAP parliamentarian Lim Lip Eng called for accountability following a report alleging that a convoy of trailers from Singapore has been dumping construction waste in Pontian, Johor, for the past two years.
The Kepong MP questioned if there was any negligence involving enforcement and checks at the Singapore-Johor checkpoint if the report was true.
