SINGAPORE — Periodic oil slicks have been found in the waters off Tuas Port, and they are likely to have originated from inland Singapore, said the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) on Monday (March 25).

MPA said that it is investigating reports of oil slicks in the area together with the National Environment Agency (NEA) and JTC Corporation (JTC).

No evidence indicating a single source of the oil pollution has been found, said MPA, adding that the oil slicks have not significantly impacted port operations or navigation.

Laboratory tests on oil samples by PSA — formerly known as the Port of Singapore Authority — found that the source is likely to have originated from "further inland", said MPA.

Investigations by the NEA are also ongoing to identify probable upstream sources of the oil pollution, which may have flowed through drain networks to the sea.

JTC has installed oil booms and closed-circuit television cameras along an open seaward section of a drain to monitor oil gathered at the booms.

Surveillance of the area has also been stepped up through night patrols along Tuas South Avenue 16 and Tuas South Way, said MPA.

The authority added that it is deploying regular patrols to monitor the waters off Tuas Port, with oil spill response craft ready to be activated at short notice to deal with any oil slicks.

NEA has also issued guidance and reminders to various premises in the vicinity of the area on how to properly manage waste oil.