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

Malaysian authorities are actively searching for the Singaporean owner of a 3.64 hectare site in Johor Bahru, allegedly used for illegal dumping activities for over three years. The land, which was designated for agricultural use, was leased to the current operator purportedly to collect rubbish and solid waste. Johor housing and local government committee chairman Mohd Jafni Md Shukor stated that the landowner's involvement needs to be determined in the ongoing investigation.

If found guilty, necessary legal actions will be taken, including the issuance of notices for failing to pay quit rent for three years. Safety concerns were raised as the site also conducted open burning activities, which were located about 12 meters from a gas pipeline. Residents expressed worry over the potential for a major incident due to the nearby fire.

The site had been previously suspected of illegal dumping after complaints from residents about open burning and foul odors. Four people were arrested, including a Malaysian man and three Bangladeshi nationals, for their suspected involvement in the operations. The site has been ordered to shut down immediately, and a multi-agency task force will be established to investigate similar allegations of construction waste from Singapore being illegally dumped in Pontian, Johor.