$9,000 fine for man who illegally disposed of wooden crates and pallets in Lim Chu Kang

SINGAPORE – The sole proprietor of a fish tank moving company was fined $9,000 on Sept 17 for illegally disposing of dismantled wooden crates and pallets along Lim Chu Kang Lane.

In a media statement on Sept 20, the National Environment Agency (NEA) said this is the first case where it has prosecuted an offender under the amended section 20(1) of the Environmental Public Health Act, which prohibits dumping or disposal in a public place.

The amendment, which took effect in July 2023, allows a person who causes or permits the dumping or disposal of waste to be prosecuted. Prior to this, only the person who carried out the act could be prosecuted.

NEA said that on Sept 27, 2023, its officers had found 25 dismantled wooden crates and 20 wooden pallets along Lim Chu Kang Lane 6F, which were traced back to 261 Neo Tiew Crescent.

This was where Mohamed Arshad Bin Mohamed Ayob operated his fish tank moving business.

He initially claimed that an employee had illegally disposed of the items, but when probed further, admitted that he had failed to ensure their proper disposal.

Arshad also admitted that he was responsible for another 30 dismantled wooden crates found illegally disposed of along Lim Chu Kang Lane 6F, prior to the incident in September 2023.

NEA said the illegal disposal of waste pollutes the environment and poses a hazard to public health.

First-time offenders may be fined up to $50,000, jailed for up to 12 months, or both. Repeat offenders may be fined up to $100,000 and jailed for between one and 12 months.

Members of the public may report any suspected incidents of illegal waste disposal electronically via the

Online Feedback Form

or the myENV mobile application. Alternatively, they may contact NEA on 6225-5632.

Reports may include the date, time and location of the incident, the registration number of the vehicle used for the illegal disposal, as well as any supporting photos and video clips.