Cleanup under way at two Johor beaches affected by oil spill

Cleanup efforts are under way at two beaches in south-east Johor, following an oil spill incident on the southern coast of Singapore on June 14.

- Sarah Koh

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) told The Sunday Times that when oil slicks were observed off Changi on June 17, it updated the Malaysian authorities that the oil could potentially reach Malaysia's waters.

"Our Malaysian counterparts informed us on June 19 that they have observed some oil slicks off Johor," said MPA, adding: "We are sharing relevant information to facilitate their efforts." According to Malaysian news reports, the Johor authorities were alerted on June 19 to the presence of oil off Pengerang, located east of Changi and less than one hour away by ferry from Singapore's Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal.