Construction waste export from S'pore not allowed, will work with M'sian authorities to investigate illegal dumping in Johor: NEA

The National Environment Agency (NEA) of Singapore has informed the Solid Waste and Public Cleansing Management Corporation (SWCorp) in Malaysia about illegal dumping of construction waste in Pontian, Malaysia, according to NEA's response to queries by Mothership. This issue arose following reports that the waste, comprising broken tiles, metal bars, and construction equipment, originated from Singapore.

NEA's group director for resource and sustainability called the director of Johor's waste management authority on August 17, informing him that all exports of construction and demolition waste from Singapore to Malaysia are prohibited. NEA confirmed that a call was made between the two agencies, during which NEA reiterated that Singapore does not permit the export of construction and demolition (C&D) waste for disposal, and such waste must be properly processed and sorted locally for recycling.

NEA stated that nine Malaysian companies have been named by SWCorp in relation to the illegal dumping, although it is unclear if any Singapore companies were involved. NEA has also issued an advisory to licensed waste disposal facilities in Singapore handling C&D waste, reminding them of their regulatory obligations. The agency emphasizes the seriousness of illegal waste disposal, as it pollutes the environment and poses a threat to public health.

NEA will continue to cooperate closely with Malaysian authorities in their investigation of the matter. Locals in Pontian have reported that trucks have been traveling through the roads at night, disrupting their sleep and damaging roads. Johor is currently investigating nine Malaysian firms suspected of being responsible for the illegal waste dumping, with the waste believed to have been transported from Singapore via Tuas before being discarded on land plots in Pontian.