The Star 22 Mar 19;
JOHOR BARU (Bernama): All 111 schools in the Pasir Gudang area closed following the Sungai Kim Kim chemical waste pollution incident will re-open on March 31.
Johor Education Department deputy director Azman Adnan said
work to clean-up the schools would be carried out first, with the cooperation of the Parent-Teacher Association.
“Those involved in the cleaning-up will be the parents, communities, government agencies, non-governmental organisations and the private sector. Students won't be involved.
He said a meeting of the state Disaster Management Committee, set-up to tackle the disposal of chemical waste in Sungai Kim Kim, decided on March 19 to halt the clean-up operation.
“The Disaster Operations Control Centre will also be closed as the situation is almost back to normal.
“As such, all schools in Pasir Gudang will be opened again from Sunday, which is March 31,” Azman said.
Education Minister Dr Maszlee Malik had ordered all 111 schools in Pasir Gudang to be closed from March 13 until further notice. - Bernama
Pasir Gudang schools to reopen on March 31
TEH ATHIRA YUSOF New Straits Times 22 Mar 19;
KUALA LUMPUR: All schools in Pasir Gudang will reopen on March 31 following positive results from the cleaning up process at Sungai Kim Kim.
Johor Education Department deputy director Azman Adnan via a statement said sanitation works would be done at all schools before they reopen.
“State Disaster Management Committee (JPBN) has decided to stop the Sungai Kim Kim Ops and close the Disaster Operation Control Centre (PKOB) as the cleaning up process of the toxic pollutants had shown positive results.
“Therefore, all schools (currently) closed in Pasir Gudang will reopen on Sunday, March 31.
“Cleaning works at the schools will be done by the school management, Parent Teachers Associations (PTA), the communities, governmental agencies, non-governmental organisations and local private sectors,” he said.
Azman said cleaning up process at the schools would not involve students and to be conducted according to the schools’ standard operating procedures.
On March 14, Education Minister Dr Maszlee Malik directed 111 schools in Pasir Gudang to be closed following reports of toxic contaminations on March 7, based on the feedback from the State Disaster Management Committee.
On March 17, it was reported that the 1.5km stretch along Sungai Kim Kim has been cleared of the toxic contaminants.
A total of 5,848 people had sought treatment after showing symptoms believed to be from toxic fumes inhalation due to contamination at Sungai Kim Kim.
DOE to keep monitoring air quality near Sungai Kim Kim
The Star 23 Mar 19;
JOHOR BARU: The Department of Environment (DOE) will continue to monitor the air quality surrounding Sungai Kim Kim despite the closing of the inter-department operations in Pasir Gudang.
State DOE director Datuk Dr Mohammad Ezanni Mat Salleh said they would check the air quality in a 5km radius around Sungai Kim Kim for two more weeks.
“This is to ensure that the area is free from any chemicals that could be harmful to residents.
“The air quality checks are being conducted every hour so that we can detect if there is any cause for alarm,” he said when contacted.
He said nine DOE officers would monitor and conduct the checks.
“So far, we have not detected any signs detrimental to public health,” he said.
Asked on the 46 other dumping sites found around Pasir Gudang on Wednesday, he said those sites were mostly industrial waste without any harmful chemicals.
“That is just industrial and construction waste, possibly from factories nearby,” he said, adding that Pasir Gudang Municipal Council would identify the culprits involved.
Dr Mohammad Ezanni also said they were working with police to trace those responsible for the pollution.
Meanwhile, all 111 schools in Pasir Gudang that were closed following the incident will re-open on March 31, said Johor Education Department deputy director Azman Adnan.
Results of fish samples from Pasir Gudang ready next week, says Johor Fisheries director
The Star 22 Mar 19;
JOHOR BARU (Bernama): The laboratory test results of fish samples from farms around Pasir Gudang over the chemical waste dumping incident in Sungai Kim Kim are expected to be ready in the next few days.
Johor Fisheries director Zamani Omar said all samples from aquaculture farms such as fish, mussels and crabs had been sent by the Special Action Committee for investigation at a private laboratory a few days ago.
"The measure is for the long-term to ensure that there is no risk to the people. The test will take a few days, depending on laboratory analysis.
"After the report is out, stating that the fish and other aquaculture products are not affected by the chemical waste, we (Johor Fisheries Office) will send the report to the Health Ministry to declare all marine life around Pasir Gudang safe for consumption," he said when contacted by Bernama here Friday (March 22).
Zamani said the most popular complaints received from fishermen following pollution is that they have difficulties selling their catch, thereby affecting their income, as people were afraid to buy seafood.
"I have met fishermen and they want the appropriate actions taken. In this regard, we took fish samples to the laboratory to ensure they are safe for consumption," he said.
Apart from farm products, Zamani said the Special Action Committee also took seawater samples around Pasir Gudang and found the seawater free from pollution.
"The quality of water samples taken three days ago found positive results and according to the results obtained, aquatic life could thrive in the water," he said.
On Saturday (March 16) the fishing community around Pasir Gudang said they were worried with the falling sales of their farm products, as many did not want to buy their fish from Pasir Gudang, for fear the fish may be affected by the pollution in Sungai Kim Kim. - Bernama
Cops seek remand extension for suspects in Sg Kim Kim pollution crisis
Bernama New Straits Times 23 Mar 19;
JOHOR BARU: The police on Sunday will apply for an extension of a remand order against eight individuals suspected of involvement in the chemical waste pollution of Sungai Kim Kim, Pasir Gudang, which sickened hundreds recently.
Johor police chief Datuk Mohd Khalil Kader Mohd said the application, which will be made at the Johor Baru Magistrate’s Court tomorrow, is necessary for police to complete their investigations.
He added that the remand order for eight of the nine suspects will expire tomorrow.
“We may need (an additional) day or two,” he said, adding that while police are satisfied with the probe so far, a few more details need to be ironed out for the investigation paper to be complete.
Mohd Khalil said this after presenting excellence awards to police officers and children of police officers of Indian descent, in conjunction with the 212th Police Memorial Day, today.
On March 17, two men were arrested in Johor, while seven others were detained outside the state, as part of an investigation into the dumping of chemical wastes into the river.
One of the nine suspects was released on police bail after it was found that he had nothing to do with the incident.
The eight remaining suspects, aged between 27 and 41, were remanded from March 18. --Bernama
Dumpsite discovered at Taman Bukit Kempas
remar nordin The Star 23 Mar 19;
JOHOR BARU: The recent media attention on the polluted Sungai Kim Kim has not deterred some factories from dumping industrial waste into rivers and streams in the area.
Based on a tip-off, The Star found more pollution at Taman Bukit Kempas here.
The Star team visited the location which used to have a beautiful brook with clear water filled with various types of fish.
The area has now turned into an ugly construction waste disposal site.
The dumpsite, deep inside the housing area with limited access to cars, is fenced up with large blue zinc sheets.
Just across the river is a cement moulding factory that is letting cement and sand into the river, aside from what seems to be electronic waste and old oil drums nearby.
The dumping location is also slocated about 100m from an elderly care home.
According to a resident known as Wong, there used to be lots of fish in the river.
The 66-year-old grandfather also said that 10 years ago, the river used to be his favourite place to relax with his family.
“The water used to be clear, you could jump in for a swim but now, you would not even think of going near it.
“I did inform the Department of Environment (DOE) about this but I was directed to the Johor Baru City Council (MBJB) and then tossed back to DOE.
“I have met and called all sorts of agencies, but until today all I have got was excuses, aside from being tossed around like a ball,” Wong stressed.
He added that, the dumpsite has access to running water and electricity, meaning that it has approval from TNB and Ranhill SAJ.
Wong added that a plastic fire had once occurred at the dumpsite in April last year.
State DOE director Datuk Dr Mohammad Ezanni Mat Salleh, when contacted, said that the DOE would investigate the matter and take immediate action.
