PONTIAN: The Johor government will come down hard on polluters including those involved in illegal dumping and pollution of a lake in Taman Bukit Kempas.

       Mentri Besar Datuk Hasni Mohammad said he was aware of the problem and was awaiting a full report from health and environment committee chairman R. Vidyanathan.

       "We should take stern action on anyone involved in polluting our waterways even if it is our own entities such as government-linked companies (GLC)," he said after opening the Pontian Umno division meeting here on Saturday (Dec 18).

       He said the state government would not compromise when it comes to preserving the environment.

       The Star had earlier reported that a green lung near Johor Baru, with a lake in the centre, has now become a major dumping ground not just for construction materials but also hazardous waste.

       The fumes from the burning chemicals at a nearby illegal dumpsite – which smoulder when ignited and emit a pungent smell, especially at night – has been a problem for more than six years for about 5,000 residents of Taman Bukit Kempas.

       The residents blame several recycling companies that have set up base illegally on agricultural land, with the culprits dumping waste and toxic materials directly into the lake, which drains into Sg Skudai several kilometres away.

       The locals also fear that the toxic fumes or waste water from the lake will contaminate farms producing vegetables for local markets.

       More to come