JOHOR BARU: The Marine Department and the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) are keeping a close watch on Johor waters for potential oil spills following a pipeline leak at Pulau Bukom, Singapore.
Johor health and environment committee chairman Ling Tian Soon confirmed no oil spill reports have been received so far, but surveillance remains active.
"We haven’t received any reports of oil spills, but our agencies have been alerted to the incident and are keeping watch," he said on Monday (Oct 21).
Ling has also communicated with the Singapore Consulate-General and Singapore’s National Environment Agency.
"They will liaise with the Johor Department of Environment (DOE) if any spill cases arise," he added.
Earlier, Singapore's Maritime and Port Authority (MPA) reported that around 1pm, they responded to an oil leak from a Shell pipeline between Bukom Island and Bukom Kecil.
The leak, which began around 5.30am on Sunday (Oct 20), has been contained at the source.
"Shell took immediate action by deploying containment booms and vessels with dispersants to clean the affected area. The MPA has also mobilised seven vessels equipped with dispersants, supported by contractor Singapore Salvage Engineers," the statement said.
Drones and satellite technology are being used to monitor the spill.
By 6pm, no new oil sightings were reported, and relevant government agencies were alerted to remain vigilant.
The MPA's Port Operations Control Centre issued navigational safety broadcasts to ensure vessels avoid the area, with no disruption to navigation reported.
