Johor dumping: NEA issues advisory to construction waste facilities, says waste cannot be exported for disposal

Singapore strictly prohibits the export of construction and demolition (C&D) waste for disposal, according to its National Environment Agency (NEA). This stance was made clear after reports emerged of such waste being illegally dumped in Pontian, Johor. The NEA has reached out to the Johor Solid Waste and Public Cleansing Management Corporation (SWCorp) to gather more details on the C&D waste allegedly originating from Singapore.

During a conversation with SWCorp, the NEA reiterated that Singapore does not permit C&D waste export for disposal, confirming this stance to The Straits Times on August 18. The NEA stated that nine companies identified by SWCorp as involved in the illegal dumping were Malaysian entities, but they have yet to determine if any Singapore-based companies were also implicated. They emphasized that C&D waste must undergo processing and sorting within Singapore.

Previously, locals had expressed concerns to the New Straits Times, alleging that about 20 trailers were making the round-trip journey from Singapore to Pontian almost every night. This issue has raised questions about the adequacy of cargo inspections and border controls. The NEA also issued an advisory to licensed general waste disposal facilities in Singapore, reminding them of the necessary regulations.

Under Singapore's regulatory framework, C&D waste must be appropriately processed and sorted for recycling locally. However, recyclable materials recovered from such waste, like ferrous scrap, can be exported under relevant regulatory conditions. The NEA has taken a firm stance against illegal waste disposal, which can cause environmental pollution and pose a public health risk. They assured that they would continue collaborating with Malaysian authorities to investigate this matter further.

Johor's SWCorp has initiated four investigations into potential offenses concerning the disposal, storage, and transfer of controlled solid waste. Residents in Pontian had previously reported convoys of lorries traveling at night to various sites to unload construction debris, including cement, broken tiles, and used construction equipment.