Johor's clean drive hits illegal dumps
JOHOR is stepping up enforcement against illegal dumping and strengthening its waste management operations in a bid to transform the state into one of the cleanest in the country.
State housing and local government committee chairman Datuk Mohd Jafni Md Shukor said he was briefed by Johor Solid Waste and Public Cleansing Corporation (SWCorp) on its ongoing operations and enforcement activities carried out so far this year.
'I was given a comprehensive briefing on various enforcement actions, cleanliness operations and solid waste management initiatives across all districts in Johor.
'These efforts include actions to curb illegal waste dumping, issuance of notices, investigations of premises, and prosecution measures to ensure compliance with the law,' he said when contacted.
Mohd Jafni said the implementation of statewide initiatives such as Ops Cuci, Ops No Dust and compliance inspections on premises and construction waste management demonstrated a strong integrated approach to waste control and urban cleanliness.
Collecting domestic waste. — Filepic and courtesy photo
'Cleanliness and waste management are not solely the responsibility of contractors; it is a shared responsibility involving agencies, local councils and the community.
'Based on data from Johor SWCorp, a total of 517 sites were cleaned under Ops Cuci this year, while 186 illegal dumpsites have been identified and shut down,' he added.
Mohd Jafni, who is also Bukit Permai assemblyman, said that additionally, 95 construction waste compliance checks and 108 inspections on industrial, commercial and institutional premises were also carried out.
'These achievements show that the state government is serious in taking firm action against irresponsible behaviour that affects the image of residential areas and city centres,' he said.
He further said public spaces such as Puteri Harbour, Legaran Segget, Laman Maharani and Dataran Kembara were cleaned using road sweepers and water jets under Ops No Dust.
'These efforts support Johor's image as a clean, modern and investor-friendly state.
'We want our city centres to be more sustainable and liveable for all.
'SWCorp also reported that 20,522 premises under the Separation-at-Source programme have been inspected so far this year,' he said.
The programme requires residential homes and other properties receiving waste collection services to separate their rubbish at source, in compliance with Solid Waste and Public Cleansing Management Act 2007 (Act 672).
'Ensuring proper segregation of waste is essential.
'It is a key step towards fostering sustainable practices and reducing landfill dependence.
'A total of RM1.64mil in fines has been collected through court cases since 2018, underlining the state's commitment to strict enforcement of environmental laws,' said Mohd Jafni.
He said that looking ahead, Johor was developing new sanitary landfill facilities in Bukit Payung near Mersing as well as Pontian and Muar to strengthen its long-term waste management capacity.
'I truly appreciate the transparency and work ethic shown by SWCorp Johor.
'Their dedication and thorough reporting reflect their commitment to making Johor a leader in urban cleanliness,' he said.
Mohd Jafni added that the state government would continue to support SWCorp's efforts, which are aligned with Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi's 'Maju Johor' agenda that places priority on efficient governance and the people's quality of life.
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