JOHOR BARU: Factories discharging scheduled waste in Johor will be closely monitored to prevent future pollution issues, says state executive councilor Ling Tian Soon.
The state health and environment committee chairman said over 150 factories had been inspected following the odour pollution that affected Johor Baru and Kota Tinggi residents last month.
"We have a committee comprising the Environment Department (DoE), police, and local councils that will conduct inspections and enforcement more regularly on factories producing scheduled waste.
“This is to ensure that these factories comply with the waste management regulations in place," Ling said after officiating the Green Accord Initiative Award ceremony here on Sunday (Oct 13).
Ling said that further action would only be taken after the trial concluded on the factory allegedly responsible for the pollution in early September.
"The five suspects charged in court have pleaded not guilty.
“So, we need to allow the legal process to run its course before taking any further action," he said, adding that the factory is still in operation.
On Sept 26, five individuals, including a Singaporean, were charged at the Johor Baru court concerning the pollution.
Two suspects were charged with conspiring with another individual, who remains at large, to sabotage the maintenance of essential water services in an Orang Asli village in Pasir Intan, Bandar Tenggara.
Three others, including a lorry driver and his assistant, were charged with sabotaging essential services.
In early September, residents from several locations in Johor Baru and Kota Tinggi reported a strong chemical odour, which was believed to be caused by pollution.
More than 100 people reportedly experienced nausea and dizziness, while schools near affected rivers were temporarily closed due to the odour.
