M'sia authorities searching for S'porean owner of JB land allegedly used to illegally dump waste

The Malaysian authorities have been searching for a Singaporean who owns a site allegedly used as an illegal dumping ground for over three years.

The land, spanning 3.64 hectares, is located along Jalan Kempas Lama-Seelong in Johor Bahru, The Star reported.

Although it was designated for agricultural use, the owner leased it to the current operator purportedly to collect rubbish and solid waste, said the chairman of the Johor housing and local government committee Mohd Jafni Md Shukor on Aug. 11.

He added that the landowner is needed to assist in investigations into these alleged illegal activities.

"The authorities will also determine whether the owner was directly involved in the activities," he explained. "If the owner is found to be involved, necessary action will be taken."

Notices will also be issued to the owner for failing to pay quit rent (the annual property land tax) for three years.

Safety risks

The site allegedly also carried out open burning activities, which was especially concerning as it was located about 12 metres from a gas pipeline.

Residents in the vicinity claimed the burning occurred almost every night, and they worried that the fire could spread and cause a major incident.

In a Facebook post on the investigations, Jafni said that the materials burned included wood, plastic, rubber, and construction waste.

The illegal activities are therefore no longer simply about cleanliness, he emphasised, but also concern public safety, environmental issues, and compliance with the law.

Four previously arrested

The authorities first suspected the site was being used for illegal dumping after receiving complaints from residents about open burning and foul odour.

The premises had never been issued a licence for collecting solid waste and construction debris, as confirmed through inspections by the Johor Baru City Council and the Solid Waste and Public Cleansing Management Corporation (SWCorp).

Previously, a Malaysian man and three Bangladeshi nationals were arrested on suspicion of running the dumping operations there.

The Malaysian has been remanded for four days, and the three foreigners for 14 days, to assist in investigations.

The authorities also ordered that the site be shut down immediately.

More illegal dumping in Johor

There have also been claims about construction waste from Singapore being illegally dumped in several sites in Pontian, Johor.

Residents reported seeing convoys of trailers, allegedly carrying construction waste from Singapore, travelling to Pontian for dumping for the past two years, The New Straits Times reported.

Authorities in Johor will set up a multi-agency task force to investigate these allegations.

"If waste is brought from Singapore and dumped in Johor without the necessary permits or approvals, action must be taken so that this does not become a cause for concern among Bangsa Johor and the people," Jafni said.