Johor government is committed to taking stern action against illegal dumping in its environs.
State health and environment committee chairman Ling Tian Soon (pic) said any individual or company caught littering or dumping waste illegally would face stiff punishment.
He also urged the public to provide authorities with information on those committing such acts.
“Complaints can be made directly to Solid Waste Management and Public Cleansing Corporation (SWCorp) or the local councils,” Ling advised.
He said authorities had taken action based on a passerby’s viral dashcam video of an act of illegal dumping.
He said investigations by Johor Baru City Council (MBJB) and SWCorp found that this act had been committed at the junction of Kampung Sri Makmur in the township of Plentong, Masai.
Investigations have also been carried out on the lorry driver involved in the case, he said.
“MBJB and SWCorp issued compounds totalling RM1,000 to the lorry owner on May 10.
“We are also looking into the possibility of taking those responsible to court to face stiffer punishment,” Ling said, explaining that such illegal dumping cases marred the image of Johor.
“People need to keep their rivers, road and the environment clean.
“And that requires everyone’s help and cooperation,” he stressed.
On another issue, Ling said Johor continued to maintain a statewide ban on vape and e-cigarette sales.
He said no licences for the sale of vapes, vape liquids and e-cigarettes had been issued since Jan 1, 2016.
“Until today, no Johor local council has issued a licence to sell vapes and e-cigarettes,” he said.
Ling highlighted that Johor had been the first to ban vape and e-cigarettes.
Besides local council enforcement efforts, the state Health Department has also been issuing summonses to those who use e-cigarettes in places where smoking is banned.
