Singapore, 20 September 2024 – A sole-proprietor of a fish tank moving company pleaded guilty to disposing of dismantled wooden crates and pallets illegally along Lim Chu Kang Lane 6F [1]. The case was concluded in court on 17 September 2024. Mr Mohamed Arshad Bin Mohamed Ayob was convicted of one charge under section 20(1)(a) of the Environmental Public Health Act (EPHA) and fined $9,000 by the court. Another charge was taken into consideration during sentencing.
2 On 27 September 2023, officers from the National Environment Agency (NEA) found 25 dismantled wooden crates and 20 wooden pallets at two spots along Lim Chu Kang Lane 6F. The waste was found to have originated from 261 Neo Tiew Crescent, where Mr Mohamed Arshad carried out his business. Mr Mohamed Arshad claimed that his employee was the one who had illegally disposed of the items. When probed, Mr Mohamed Arshad eventually admitted that he had failed to ensure the proper disposal of the waste. Mr Mohamed Arshad also admitted he was responsible for another 30 dismantled wooden crates found illegally disposed along Lim Chu Kang Lane 6F prior to the incident in September 2023.
3 The illegal disposal of waste is a serious offence as it pollutes the environment and poses a hazard to public health. NEA will not hesitate to take strict enforcement action against any person who disposes of waste illegally. A first-time offender is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $50,000, or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months, or both. Repeat offenders are liable to a maximum fine of $100,000 and to imprisonment for a term of not less than one month and up to 12 months.
4 This is the first case that NEA has prosecuted an offender under the amended section 20(1) of the EPHA, which took effect on 1 July 2023 where a person who causes or permits the dumping or disposal of waste can be prosecuted. Prior to 1 July 2023, only the person who carries out the act of dumping waste in a public place could be prosecuted.
5 Members of the public can assist NEA by submitting reports of suspected illegal disposal electronically via the Online Feedback Form or myENV mobile application. Alternatively, the public may contact NEA at 6225 5632 if they witness any illegal disposal activity. When reporting, it would be helpful if the date, time and location of the incident, registration number of the vehicle used to carry out the illegal disposal, as well as supporting photos and video clips, could be furnished.
1 Photos of the waste that was disposed of at secluded spots along Lim Chu Kang Lane 6F is available in Annex A.
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Annex A
Photos of dismantled wooden crates and pallets illegally disposed of at secluded spots along Lim Chu Kang Lane 6F
Photo credit: The National Environment Agency