Johor DOE raids an illegal waste disposal site and conducts overnight monitoring after complaints of a burning odour, finding residual smells in two industrial areas.
JOHOR BAHRU: The Johor Department of Environment (DOE) raided an illegal waste disposal site along Jalan Kempas Lama last night.
The raid followed public complaints about a burning odour detected in several areas of the district since Sunday.
The enforcement action was based on information from Johor Health and Environment Committee chairman Ling Tian Soon.
Evidence of open burning activities was found at the site during the inspection.
“However, during the inspection, no unusual odour resulting from the burning activities was detected at the time,” the DOE stated.
The department vowed not to compromise and said follow-up investigations will continue.
It aims to identify the actual pollution source and ensure those responsible are brought to justice.
In a related operation, two enforcement teams conducted intensive overnight monitoring.
They patrolled from 9 pm until 3 am today to detect the source of odours.
The monitoring covered multiple industrial areas and major routes around Johor Bahru.
Areas included Jalan Seelong, the Taman Berjaya, Maju Jaya, Kempas Utama, and Tebrau Industrial Areas.
Jalan Kempas Lama and Jalan Bukit Kempas Lama were also inspected.
No unusual odours were detected at most locations during the patrol.
Residual burning odours were, however, detected at the Maju Jaya Industrial Area and along Jalan Kempas Lama.
Monitoring was extended to several residential areas for a comprehensive check.
These included Bandar Dato’ Onn, Bandar Setia Tropika, and Taman Perling.
“Based on observations at the residential locations, no unusual odours were detected throughout the monitoring period,” the DOE said.
The public is urged to channel any complaints related to environmental pollution.
They can use the toll-free hotline at 1-800-88-2727 or email aduan_k@doe.gov.my.
Complaints can also be submitted via the portal at https://eaduan.doe.gov.my.
