S'pore authorities monitoring water bodies in Johor after 2 pollution incidents

The Singapore authorities are monitoring bodies of water in Johor following two incidents of pollution.

- Gabrielle Andres Correspondent

A clean-up worker showing palm oil from a spill in the waters off Kampung Pasir Putih on Oct 31. The spill, detected on Oct 30, is estimated to have spread over a 1km stretch and affected more than 100 fishermen.

(BERNAMA)

The National Environment Agency (NEA), in a Facebook post on Nov 1, said that one incident affects the Johor River and was caused by sand mining activities, while the second involves a palm oil spill that affects coastal waters off Kampung Pasir Putih.

It added that it is in touch with the Department of Environment in Johor and understands that the sources of pollution from both incidents have been contained and stopped.

"Oil cleanup is also ongoing and most of the palm oil has been cleaned up," it added.

It said water quality in Singapore has been normal, and the shoreline and local fish farms have not been affected so far.

"The Singapore Food Agency is working closely with fish farms in the East Johor Strait to take the necessary preventive measures," said NEA.

It added that the National Parks Board has not observed any impact on biodiversity-rich sites at Pulau Ubin, Coney Island Park, Pasir Ris Park or Changi Beach Park.