Singapore Monitors East Johor Strait After Pollution Incidents

Authorities in Singapore are actively monitoring the East Johor Strait following two significant pollution incidents. The first involved a palm oil spill in the coastal waters near Kampung Pasir Putih in Johor, while the second incident was linked to sand mining activities affecting the Johor River. The updates were provided by Singapore’s National Environment Agency (NEA) on November 1, 2023.

As a precautionary measure, the Public Utilities Board (PUB) has temporarily suspended operations at its Johor River Waterworks. Both pollution events are confirmed to be unrelated. The NEA is in communication with Johor’s Department of Environment and has reported that the sources of pollution from both incidents have been contained and halted.

In a statement on their Facebook page, the NEA indicated that cleanup efforts for the palm oil spill are currently underway. “Most of the palm oil has been cleaned up,” the agency noted, emphasizing that water quality within Singapore remains stable and unaffected. The shoreline and fish farms in the region have not experienced any adverse effects from the incidents.

Preventive Measures and Ongoing Monitoring

The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) is collaborating closely with fish farms situated in the East Johor Strait to implement necessary preventive measures. Additionally, the National Parks Board (NParks) reported no impacts on biodiversity-rich locations, including Pulau Ubin, Coney Island, Pasir Ris Park, and Changi Beach Park.

PUB is maintaining a watchful eye on water quality at Singapore’s coastal reservoirs near the East Johor Strait. So far, there have been no sightings of palm oil near Singapore’s tidal gates. The agency reassured the public that they do not anticipate any disruption to operations at their desalination plants, which are located in southern Singapore.

Additionally, the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore has its patrol craft on standby, equipped with absorbent materials and oil recovery equipment, ready to respond if needed.

As the situation unfolds, Singapore authorities are committed to ensuring the safety of its waters and the surrounding environment, prioritizing both public health and ecological integrity.