Singapore halts export of construction, demolition waste to Malaysia

 Johor SWCorp director Zainal Fitri Ahmad says this follows allegations that the waste had been illegally disposed of in Johor for almost two years.

Johor SWCorp director Zainal Fitri Ahmad (right) with state executive councillor Jafni Shukor (second from right) inspecting some building waste dumped near Johor Bahru last week. (Bernama pic)

PETALING JAYA:

Singapore is halting the export of construction and demolition (C&D) waste to Malaysia immediately, following allegations that the waste had been illegally disposed of for almost two years in Sungai Karang, Pontian.

Johor Solid Waste Management and Public Cleaning Corporation (SWCorp) director Zainal Fitri Ahmad said Singapore’s National Environment Agency group director for resources and sustainability, Chan Chin Kai, informed him of the decision in a phone call today.

“During the discussion, we informed him of nine companies identified as being involved in the activities.

“The environment agency has announced that exports of the waste will be halted immediately and investigations will be conducted into the Singapore parties involved,” he was quoted by Bernama as saying today.

Zainal said all waste disposal activities must be carried out at authorised locations and approved by the relevant enforcement agencies in accordance with the law.

He said SWCorp took seriously the risk of environmental pollution and improper waste disposal, including the possibility of other materials being disposed of along with the C&D waste.

Zainal said four investigation papers had been opened under Section 71(1) of the Solid Waste and Public Cleansing Management Act 2007, which relates to unauthorised waste disposal. - FMT