Johor orders Kempas scrap metal recycling premise to shut down over air pollution risk

Johor authorities have ordered the immediate closure of an illegal scrap metal recycling facility in Kempas, citing concerns over air pollution and safety risks. The 3.4-hectare site, located near an underground gas pipeline owned by Petronas, had been operating for over five years and was found to be engaged in open burning activities.

The land, zoned for agricultural purposes, was being used to collect and burn various types of waste, including construction materials. Neither the operator nor the landowner had the necessary permits or licenses for such activities. Initial investigations revealed that the entrepreneur who rented the land from a Singaporean owner for the past five years was responsible.

Authorities are now working to identify the Singaporean landowner to facilitate an investigation. The local tenant of the premises has been remanded for four days, while the three Bangladeshi workers arrested have been remanded for 14 days. The site, situated just 150 meters from the underground gas pipeline, raised concerns about the potential for a fire or explosion.

However, a technical inspection by Petronas confirmed the pipeline's safety. Johor's Solid Waste Management Corporation has initiated an investigation into the failure to comply with a notice to remove controlled solid waste in the area, under Section 75 of the Solid Waste Management and Public Cleansing Act 2007.