Oil Spill Near Pulau Ubin Prompts Swift Cleanup Response

An oil spill has been confirmed by the Johor Port Authority after an oil slick was seen near the Eastern Johor Strait, off the coast of Malaysia’s Pulau Ubin, on April 3. The authority reported that the source of the leak has been contained, and cleanup operations are in progress.

Upon being alerted to the potential spill, Singapore's Maritime and Port Authority (MPA) dispatched three patrol vessels and an oil spill response craft to the scene. The presence of oil was verified, and cleanup efforts began along Pulau Ubin’s northeast shoreline and Changi Beach.

In response to the spill, the National Environment Agency (NEA) has issued an advisory against swimming or coming into contact with the water at Changi Beach and Pasir Ris Beach until further notice.

Drones and satellite surveillance are being used to monitor the situation, and no additional oil patches have been detected at this time. As a safeguard, containment booms are being placed near the Chek Jawa wetlands to shield the ecologically sensitive area. Additionally, the Marine Oil Sweeper system is on standby in case more oil is discovered.