KL uncovers vast toxic waste dump

KL uncovers vast toxic waste dump

MALAYSIA: Thousands of tons of toxic waste have been found dumped in Malaysia's southern state of Johor, sparking environmental and health fears, reports said on Friday.

The Malay-language Berita Harian daily said the waste were believed to have been brought in from Singapore by illegal dumping syndicates.

The environment department made the startling discovery of 170 drums, 200 tins and 80 bags of what is believed to be toxic waste at five sites in Johor's Kota Tinggi district, according to the New Straits Times.

Samples have been collected to determine the exact toxic level, but preliminary investigation indicated most were paint, paint sludge and chemical sludge from factories, the newspaper said. --AFP