S’pore halts export of construction, demolition waste to Malaysia

Singapore has immediately ceased exporting construction and demolition waste to Malaysia, following claims that the waste had been unlawfully disposed of in Sungai Karang, Pontian for over two years. Zainal Fitri Ahmad, the director of Johor's Solid Waste Management and Public Cleaning Corporation (SWCorp), informed the agency of this decision during a phone call with Singapore's National Environment Agency group director for resources and sustainability, Chan Chin Kai.

Nine companies were identified as being implicated in the unlawful activities, according to Zainal. The agency has declared that exports of the waste will cease immediately, and investigations will be launched into the Singaporean parties involved. All waste disposal operations must be conducted at authorized locations and approved by the relevant authorities, in line with the law.

Zainal emphasized the importance of proper waste disposal and the potential risks associated with improper disposal, including environmental pollution and the contamination of other materials. Four investigation papers have been initiated under Section 71(1) of the Solid Waste and Public Cleansing Management Act 2007, which pertains to unauthorized waste disposal.