Thu Sep 26 13:29:00 UTC 2024: ## Singaporean Man Pleads Not Guilty to Sabotaging Water Supply in Johor Village
**JOHOR BAHRU, MALAYSIA** – A Singaporean man, Tan Eng Yong, 41, pleaded not guilty on Thursday to a charge of indirect sabotage linked to the contamination of water supply in a Kota Tinggi village in Johor, Malaysia. Tan, a director and shareholder of a factory in Seri Alam, Johor, was accused of conspiring with another individual, who is still at large, and Malaysian Lau Kam Wai, 53, to sabotage water services in an Orang Asli village in Pasir Intan.
The alleged offense took place between 8pm and 11.30pm on September 4, resulting in residents suffering breathing difficulties and requiring relocation. The incident also led to the closure of schools near affected rivers due to a strong chemical odor.
Tan and Lau, if convicted, face a jail term between 30 and 40 years.
Three other Malaysian men, including a lorry driver and his assistant, were also charged with the same offense and pleaded not guilty. One of the accused claimed to be unaware of the contents of the goods he was transporting.
Johor police chief M Kumar stated that investigations related to the disposal of factory waste in a mining area near the village have been completed and investigation papers were handed to prosecutors on September 24.
Four other local men were arrested and released on bail to act as prosecution witnesses.
No bail was granted to the five accused, and the case will be heard on November 14 at the Johor Baru high court.
The Straits Times has contacted the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for more information.
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