DistantNews
Support us
🇸🇬 Singapore /Energy & Infrastructure

Singapore bans construction waste export amid illegal dumping probe in Malaysia

From The Straits Times · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Under investigation
  • Singapore's National Environment Agency (NEA) stated that the country does not permit the export of construction waste for disposal.
  • This clarification follows reports of construction debris from Singapore being illegally dumped in Pontian, Johor, Malaysia.
  • The NEA is collaborating with Malaysian authorities to investigate the matter and has reminded local waste facilities of regulatory requirements.

Singapore's National Environment Agency (NEA) has firmly stated that the country prohibits the export of construction and demolition (C&D) waste for disposal. This declaration comes in response to allegations that construction debris originating from Singapore has been illegally dumped in Pontian, Johor, Malaysia.

Singapore does not allow C&D waste to be exported for disposal.

— National Environment Agency (NEA)Stating Singapore's policy on the export of construction waste.

Following discussions with Malaysia's national waste management authorities, SWCorp, the NEA confirmed that Singapore does not allow such waste to be exported. The agency noted that nine Malaysian companies have been identified by SWCorp as potentially linked to the illegal dumping. It remains unclear if any Singaporean companies are involved, as waste must be processed and sorted locally according to Singapore's regulations.

The NEA has issued an advisory to licensed General Waste Disposal Facilities (GWDFs) in Singapore, reinforcing the requirement that C&D waste must be processed and sorted locally for recycling. While homogeneous materials like scrap metal can be exported as recyclables, subject to regulations, the disposal of unprocessed C&D waste abroad is not permitted.

NEA takes a serious view of any illegal disposal of waste, as it pollutes the environment and can be a hazard to public health.

— National Environment Agency (NEA)Emphasizing the agency's stance on illegal waste dumping.

Both the NEA and SWCorp are actively investigating the issue. The NEA has provided SWCorp with information to verify the activities of the companies involved. SWCorp reported that the NEA has agreed to stop shipments of C&D waste from Singapore to Malaysia immediately pending further reviews. The NEA emphasized its serious view on illegal waste disposal, citing environmental pollution and public health hazards, and pledged continued cooperation with Malaysian authorities.

Singapore’s NEA informed us that shipments of C&D waste from Singapore to Malaysia would be stopped with immediate effect, while further reviews would be conducted on the parties involved in Singapore.

— SWCorpReporting on the immediate actions agreed upon by Singapore's NEA.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Straits Times in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

More Stories

From Our Blog