Dumpsite discovered at Taman Bukit Kempas

JOHOR BARU: The recent media attention on the polluted Sungai Kim Kim has not deterred some factories from dumping industrial waste into rivers and streams in the area.

Based on a tip-off, The Star found more pollution at Taman Bukit Kempas here.

The Star team visited the location which used to have a beautiful brook with clear water filled with various types of fish.

The area has now turned into an ugly construction waste disposal site.

The dumpsite, deep inside the housing area with limited access to cars, is fenced up with large blue zinc sheets.

Just across the river is a cement moulding factory that is letting cement and sand into the river, aside from what seems to be electronic waste and old oil drums nearby.

The dumping location is also slocated about 100m from an elderly care home.

According to a resident known as Wong, there used to be lots of fish in the river.

The 66-year-old grandfather also said that 10 years ago, the river used to be his favourite place to relax with his family.

“The water used to be clear, you could jump in for a swim but now, you would not even think of going near it.

“I did inform the Department of Environ­ment (DOE) about this but I was directed to the Johor Baru City Council (MBJB) and then tossed back to DOE.

“I have met and called all sorts of agencies, but until today all I have got was excuses, aside from being tossed around like a ball,” Wong stressed.

He added that, the dumpsite has access to running water and electricity, meaning that it has approval from TNB and Ranhill SAJ.

Wong added that a plastic fire had once occurred at the dumpsite in April last year.

State DOE director Datuk Dr Mohammad Ezanni Mat Salleh, when contacted, said that the DOE would investigate the matter and take immediate action.