{
  "id": 9105418,
  "title": "Johor man says he collected recyclables to sell, not trouble neighbours",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/22/johor-man-says-he-collected-recyclables-to-sell-not-trouble-neighbours",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-22T07:39:13.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/news/regional/2026/09/1538448/johor-man-says-he-collected-recyclables-sell-not-trouble-neighbours"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Johor Baru authorities cleared over 13 tonnes of recyclable materials from the home of a physically disabled 60-year-old man, who claimed he was collecting items to sell rather than causing trouble for neighbors. Piled rubbish and recyclables blocked the front gate, spilled onto the sidewalk and reached the roadside. Neighbors complained of foul odors, pests and an unsightly mess. The man said he intended to sell the items but admitted he hadn't anticipated authorities' intervention. He vowed not to repeat the activity. Another resident, Tharanya, identified as 60s, expressed relief at the cleanup, noting that repeated requests to stop had been ignored. About three lorries removed the materials. Tharanya hoped the man would desist and authorities would keep monitoring. The man's van and car were also used to store recyclables. State SWCorp removed the items and issued a warning, with possible penalties ranging from RM10,000 to RM100,000, up to five years jail, or both under Section 71(1) of Act 672.",
  "summary": "JOHOR BARU: “I was collecting the items to sell, not to trouble my neighbours,” said a physically disabled elderly man after authorities cleared about 13 tonnes of recyclable materials from his home in Taman Permas Jaya.",
  "key_points": [
    "Over 13 tonnes of recyclables removed from disabled man's home",
    "Man claimed collection for sale, not to trouble neighbors",
    "Authorities issued warning with penalties up to RM100,000"
  ],
  "editors_take": "The clearance of recyclables from the man's home brings temporary relief to neighbours who had complained of foul odors and an unsightly mess, but may not end the issue.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "New Straits Times",
        "title": "Johor man says he collected recyclables to sell, not trouble neighbours",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/22/johor-man-says-he-collected-recyclables-to-sell-not-trouble-neighbours-9105419",
        "published": "2026-09-22T07:37:32.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}