Lorry driver fined $25,000 for illegal dumping of waste

SINGAPORE - A lorry driver has been fined $25,000, with 25 days imprisonment in default, for the illegal dumping of excavated earth at Old Upper Thomson Road.

In a press statement on Wednesday, the National Environment Agency (NEA) said that it had investigated a complaint made on Oct 28, 2013 and found that Mr Neo Aik Khee had dumped about 10 tonnes of excavated earth at Old Upper Thomson Road.

According to NEA, Mr Neo had been instructed by his employer to dispose the unwanted earth at Changi Staging ground, but had dumped it at a public place along Old Upper Thomson Road instead because his lorry had a punctured tyre.

He was charged under Section 20 (1) of the Environmental Public Health Act, and could have been fined $50,000 or jailed for up to one year.

NEA revealed that the number of illegal dumping cases has dropped from 160 in 2000 to 38 in 2013, due to "continued enforcement and close surveillance".

It also encouraged the public to call NEA's 24-hour call centre at 1800-2255-632 to report any illegal dumping activity. When reporting, it would be helpful to furnish the date, time and location of the incident, the registration number of the vehicle used to carry the waste, and any photos and videos.

seanyap@sph.com.sg