JOHOR BARU: Efforts to clean up the oil spill following the massive fire in Masai must be done as soon as possible to prevent the sludge from flowing into the nearby Sungai Rekoh, says a state executive councillor.
Johor health and environment committee chairman Ling Tian Soon said the operator of the engine oil storage facility that went up in flames recently has been ordered to conduct clean-up operations to curb river pollution.
“After the fire on June 21, the Johor Baru City Council (MBJB) instructed the facility’s operator to clean up the drains and surrounding area.
“A lot of sludge has flowed into the drains. It has not reached the river, but we want to stop it before it does.
“MBJB and the Johor Environment Department (DOE) have also installed oil booms to contain the sludge and prevent it from entering the river,” he told reporters yesterday.
He added that MBJB would also be hiring contractors to clean up the area.
The Johor DOE will be acting as a technical agency to support and monitor the clean-up efforts, he said.
Ling added that the air quality in the area is currently safe and the department would monitor the situation.
According to the Johor Fire and Rescue Department, firefighting operations were about 98% complete as of 3pm yesterday, with overhaul works being conducted to ensure no further hazards at the site.
On Saturday, flames engulfed five premises at Jalan Cenderai 27 in Taman Kota Puteri, affecting an area of about 1,000 sq m.
More than 15 vehicles were destroyed, including tankers, cars and motorcycles.
Witnesses reported small explosions as the fire released thick clouds of smoke, making the smog visible even from the Eastern Dispersal Link highway, some 8km away.
