Plant Protection Society (Singapore)

S3, 14, Science Drive 4 #05-01, Science Building 3 Singapore 117543

Registered 15 Mar 2004

  Singapore and Malaysia Committed to Improving Water Quality in the Straits of Johor

  The Malaysian Minister for Science, Technology and the Environment, Datuk Law Hieng Ding, was in Singapore on 5 to 6 May 2000 at the invitation of Singapore Environment Minister, Mr Lee Yock Suan.  Datuk Law's visit to Singapore was part of the Annual Exchange of Visits between the environment ministers of the two countries ) a tradition started in 1979.

  In their brief bilateral meeting, the Ministers reviewed the work carried out by their senior officials under the ambit of the Malaysia-Singapore Joint Committee on the Environment.  The Ministers also had a frank exchange of views on other regional environmental issues of common concern.

  One key outcome is the agreement on a common set of water quality descriptors for the Straits of Johor.  The water quality in the Straits would be graded as good, moderate or poor based on the measurements of six parameters. These parameters are dissolved oxygen, total suspended solids, total organic carbon, oil and grease, ammoniacal-N and faecal coliform counts.  The descriptors would indicate if the water would be suitable for recreational activities.

  The Ministers also noted that both countries would reduce pollution loads into the Straits of Johor.  While Singapore is proceeding with its Deep Tunnel Sewerage System project to divert sewage from the three sewage treatment works located in the northern sector of Singapore, Malaysia plans to clean up its rivers in Johor, Sungei Skudai and Sungei Segget.

  Besides the water quality in the Straits of Johor, the Ministers also reviewed the work carried out in controlling vehicular emissions.  They noted that the proportion of smoky vehicles plying the Causeway had reduced gradually over the years since controls were initiated in 1991.  The Ministers also exchanged views on other environmental concerns including the regional forest fires and
haze issue.

  Datuk Law was accompanied by his Deputy Minister and senior officials from the Ministry.  While in Singapore, Datuk Law and his delegation also participated in the 14th Annual MOSTE-ENV Friendly Games, a tradition that has helped to build rapport between Ministers and staff from the two Ministries.