Illegal dumpsites found in Permas Jaya and Ulu Tiram

This dumpsite was discovered at a village in Ban Foo in Ulu Tiram.

JOHOR BARU: Johor Baru City Council (MBJB) has received public complaints on illegal dumpsites, with one believed to contain chemical waste.

Mayor Datuk Amran A. Rahman said the local authority received complaints with regards to a barrel being dumped near a school in Permas Jaya.

“The barrel was believed to contain chemical waste and we have alerted the Department of Environment (DOE) for the necessary action.

“Following the report, DOE has taken samples from the barrel and is currently identifying its content,” he said during the MBJB full board meeting.

The council also uncovered another dumpsite near a village in Ban Foo in Ulu Tiram.

“We are investigating the matter to identify the landowner and will take action against the owner.”

“Council personnel also visited the area with Tebrau MP Steven Choong in the middle of March,” he added.

Amran reminded councillors to be wary of such activities as it could cause misery to the public, citing the Sungai Kim Kim incident as an example.

On another matter, Amran said the council recently conducted an operation with other agencies including the DOE, Solid Waste Management and Public Cleansing Corporation (SWCorp) and the health department to stop open burning under its jurisdiction.

“The operation was conducted at Maju Jaya Industrial Area and the council issued a compound to a factory owner while other agencies also issued notices.

“I hope all departments under MBJB, as well as agencies will continue to educate the public on ways to protect the environment,“ he said.