MP demands answers on alleged Singapore waste dumping in Pontian

 DAP’s Lim Lip Eng says if the claims are true, it is not a case of only one or two lorries slipping through border controls.

DAP MP Lim Lip Eng said the border is the country’s first line of defence and if it fails, those entrusted with protecting it must be held accountable.

PETALING JAYA:

Kepong MP Lim Lip Eng has 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.

He said if the report was true, it was not a case of one or two lorries slipping through border controls, as each trailer should have a record at the Singapore-Johor border.

“Who inspected the cargo? Who checked the documents? Who allowed it to enter?” he said in a statement.

Lim also cited the case of a Malaysian flight crew member arrested in Indonesia for allegedly carrying 25kg of ecstasy worth more than RM13 million in his luggage, saying those responsible in both cases must face stern action.

“If investigations find that officers failed to perform their duties or were negligent in their oversight, firm action must be taken.

“Do not simply go after junior officers. Supervisors and the heads responsible must also answer for their actions,” Lim said.

Adding that the border is the country’s first line of defence, he said those entrusted with protecting it must be held accountable if it fails.

Kosmo reported on Saturday that the convoy of trailers allegedly carrying construction waste from Singapore into Pontian had caused cracks in residents’ homes and damaged village roads, resulting in accidents that endangered lives.

The waste was reportedly unloaded at night and in the early hours of the morning in several areas, including Parit Sikom, Batu 26 Jeram Batu-Pengkalan Raja, Kampung Parit Rambai, Kampung Sungai Dinar and Sungai Karang.

The Malay daily quoted a source as saying that the heavy vehicles entered Johor through the Sultan Abu Bakar Complex in Gelang Patah before using the bridge in Sungai Pulai and village roads to reach Pontian.

Residents urged the state government and agencies such as the environment department, road transport department, public works department, local council and police to conduct a thorough investigation. - FMT