PASIR GUDANG: What started as a convenient dumping of chemicals beneath a bridge in Kota Masai has turned into a disaster with almost 500 people, mainly children, treated for respiratory ailments.
The chemicals, believed to contain heavy metal used to dissolve metal at a scrapyard and a chemical factory in Kulai, were discharged into Sungai Kim Kim about a week ago.
Since then, there have been three waves of air pollution as the chemicals got washed downstream towards the Straits of Johor.
It is learnt that there are at least seven schools located along the river.
Three people were arrested on Sunday and Monday in connection with the case.
Fishermen in the area are claiming that the thick sludge in the water is causing their boat engines to fail and they have to row their boats out to sea.
Meanwhile, state Health, Environment and Agriculture Committee chairman Dr Sahruddin Jamal said that the matter was getting from bad to worse.
It is learnt that the National Disaster Management Agency has taken over the handling of the situation at Sungai Kim Kim.
SK Tanjung Puteri Resort headmaster Mohd Asri Abdul Kadir said strong winds blew the hazardous gas into the school, causing many students to suffer breathing difficulties.
“In the 10am incident, four schoolchildren were rushed to the school’s treatment room after showing symptoms of gas poisoning,” he said.Asri said 857 schoolchildren were affected.
“The number of pupils suffering from dizziness, nausea and vomiting increased gradually. They were rushed to the Taman Pasir Putih Community Hall for treatment,” he said.
He added that the Department of Environment came to check the air quality and found that it was fine.
The department confirmed that the incident occurred due to strong winds.
“Firefighters and rescue personnel ordered the closure of the school and instructed the staff and students to go home at 11.15am,” he said.
13 Pasir Gudang schools to be closed indefinitely
The Star 13 Mar 19;
JOHOR BARU: A total of 13 schools around the area affected by the chemical pollution in Pasir Gudang will be closed indefinitely beginning today, says state executive councillor Dr Sahruddin Jamal.
The schools are SK Taman Pasir Putih, SMK Taman Pasir Putih, SK Pasir Putih, SK Tanjung Puteri Resort, SMK Tanjung Puteri Resort, SK Kota Masai 2 and SMK Kota Masai 2.Also to be closed are SK Kota Masai 3, SMK Kota Masai, SK Kota Masai, SK Perigi Acheh, Sekolah Agama Kampung Pasir Putih and Sekolah Agama Taman Pasir Putih.
Education Minister Dr Maszlee Malik said more than 300 people were receiving medical treatment at two major government hospitals here due to the chemical pollution.The Simpang Renggam MP said 266 victims were being treated at the Sultan Ismail Hospital (HSI) while 42 were at the Sultanah Aminah Hospital (HSA) since the pollution was reported on March 7.
“I am sad and angry. The irresponsible action by some people caused these victims, including schoolchildren and teachers, to suffer.“I want to make sure those criminals involved in the dumping of toxic chemicals into the river will face the law. The ministry will extend our fullest cooperation to the authorities,” he said when met after visiting the victims warded at HSI here yesterday.
Youth chief Ling Tian Soon said this comes after SMK Pasir Putih and SK Pasir Putih were given the nod by the authorities to reopen on Monday.“The incident happened last Thursday and the authorities decided to reopen the schools, claiming it is safe for the students.
“But the students were still affected by the toxic fumes despite the clearance given by the authorities,” he said when met after visiting some of the victims warded at HSI.
Ling urged the authorities to close the schools near the river as a temporary measure.
Thirteen Pasir Gudang schools closed indefinitely
Bernama New Straits Times 12 Mar 19;
JOHOR BARU: A total of 13 schools in Pasir Gudang have been ordered to close starting tomorrow until further notice following the pollution incident involving toxic waste disposal at Sungai Kim Kim last Thursday.
Johor Health, Environment and Agriculture Committee chairman Dr Sahruddin Jamal said the schools include the four which have already been closed – Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Taman Pasir Putih, Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Pasir Puteh, SK Tanjung Puteri Resort and SMK Tanjung Puteri Resort.
The other schools affected are SK Pasir Putih, SK Kota Masai 2, SMK Kota Masai 2, SK Kota Masai 3, SMK Kota Masai, SK Kota Masai, SK Perigi Acheh, Sekolah Agama Kampung Pasir Putih and Sekolah Agama Taman Pasir Putih.
He said the decision was achieved through the Working Committee Activation Meeting to address the incident of chemical waste disposal at Sungai Kim Kim, held here this evening.
Dr Sahruddin also said that the state government via its disaster management committee also activated a working committee to coordinate and monitor the situation.
Besides the closure of schools, the committee also agreed to appoint a licensed contractor to carry out clean up works in the 1.5km river, which would be coordinated by the Irrigation and Drainage Department as well as the Environmental Department.
He said the public was advised not to enter the area where the cleaning works would be carried out.
“The state government also stressed that the public should follow the state Health Department's recommendation for immediate treatment if they experience eye irritation, chest pains and shortness of breath,” he said.
Members of the public are also required to follow the latest information from reliable sources and comply with the authorities' instructions, he added. -BERNAMA