THE Johor Environment Department is still awaiting a detailed report from the Malaysian Space Agency pertaining to a claim that Johor is one of four states identified as an illegal toxic waste disposal location.

Its state director, Mohd Famey Yusoff, said the department will investigate the matter once it received the report.

“So far, I have not received any information from the agency or on the location of the illegal landfill in the state. I have referred the matter to headquarters, which is also awaiting the same report from the agency.”

He said this when asked to comment on a news report that quoted the agency as saying that four states – Perak, Pahang, Selangor and Johor – have been identified as having many areas used as illegal toxic waste dumps.

The findings are based on regular satellite image observations made by the agency.

On whether the department also uses satellite to monitor illegal toxic waste disposals, Famey said it uses drones.

“We do not have access to satellite images, but use drones in areas where there is a potential for illegal waste disposal.” – Bernama, October 24, 2021.