Rizalman Hammim New Straits Times 28 Mar 19;
JOHOR BARU: All victims of the Sungai Kim Kim toxic waste dumping case who were hospitalised for inhaling toxic fumes have been discharged.
State Health, Environment and Agriculture Committee chairman Dr Sahruddin Jamal said he was informed that the last victim who sought treatment following the incident was allowed to go home on March 25.
"All patients who were hospitalised have been released. So far, we have not received any new cases relating to the incident," said Dr Sahruddin.
He said this in a press conference after launching the state-level World TB Day programme here on Wednesday.
Almost 6,000 residents in Pasir Gudang were affected by the toxic fumes, caused by the illegal dumping of chemical substances into Sungai Kim Kim in March.
The incident also forced the closure of 111 schools in the area. Schools are expected to re-open on March 31.
Dr Sahruddin also said the government was confident that the incident would not recur when the schools re-open on Sunday.
He said air quality in the area was measured three times a day and showed that it was at normal levels.
"The state government can't guarantee that nothing (bad) will happen (again), but God’s willing, the problem will not happen again when the schools re-open," said Dr Sahruddin.
He also urged the public to be more aware and report are suspicious activities to the authorities.
