Mohd Noorazam says squatter settlements are mostly inhabited by foreigners.
THERE are 54 squatter settlements within Johor Baru City Council’s (MBJB) jurisdiction.
Some are located in Kampung Melayu Pandan, Kangkar Tebrau, Plentong, Skudai Kiri, Kampung Sri Purnama and Kampung Bakar Batu, said mayor Datuk Mohd Noorazam Osman.
“They are mostly inhabited by foreigners and are contributing to river pollution, especially in Sungai Tebrau.
“During Ramadan, we collected four tonnes of rubbish from the river daily, including mattresses and refrigerators.
“Some of this bulk waste was probably not discarded at designated rubbish collection areas and entered the river during heavy rain,” he said in a press conference after chairing the MBJB full board meeting.
The matter was brought to the attention of state housing and local government committee chairman for further action, said Mohd Noorazam.
He added that the Housing and Local Government Ministry and state government should work together to find a solution to the squatter issue.
This was needed to achieve the Greater Johor Baru agenda, which involved MBJB, Iskandar Puteri City Council, Pasir Gudang City Council and Kulai Municipal Council, he added.
On cleanliness, Mohd Noorazam said more rubbish bins should be placed at food stalls operating near the Johor Baru Customs, Immigration and Quarantine Complex now that international borders were open.
“As there are more people crossing the border, we can see a greater amount of rubbish especially near food stalls where motorists have their breakfast before heading into Singapore.
“I have told the relevant department as well as SWM Environment Sdn Bhd to ensure rubbish is disposed of properly as this affects Johor Baru’s image,” added Mohd Noorazam.
