Azura Abas New Straits Times 26 Jun 19;
PUTRAJAYA: The Cabinet was briefed that the recent air pollution incident in Pasir Gudang had nothing to do with earlier pollution of Sungai Kim Kim.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail said this was the briefing provided by the Energy, Science, Technology, Environment and Climate Change Ministry, which said that after investigating all possible indicators, found no indication of any link between the two incidents.
Dr Wan Azizah said the relevant authorities had conducted tests on the victims’ urine and blood samples as part of the investigation.
She also noted that National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma) officers were currently in Pasir Gudang conducting investigations.
“The relevant authorities will continue their investigations to identify the source of the problem by collecting more samples from rivers and the surroundings near the schools,” she told reporters after a get-together with the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry target groups and staff here today.
Last week, more than 100 students from more than 30 schools in Pasir Gudang fell ill after allegedly being exposed to polluted air. The students had experienced nausea and dizziness and were rushed to hospital.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail said this was the briefing provided by the Energy, Science, Technology, Environment and Climate Change Ministry, which said that after investigating all possible indicators, found no indication of any link between the two incidents. - NSTP/AHMAD IRHAM MOHD NOOR
All learning institutions in the Pasir Gudang district were subsequently ordered to close for three days following the incident.
There were initial fears that the illnesses were linked to the severe toxic pollution of Sungai Kim Kim in March, which affected more than 6,000 residents.
Dr Wan Azizah also touched on the latest developments concerning the Bateq Orang Asli tribe in Kuala Koh, Gua Musang, who had been hit by a deadly measles outbreak.
She said reports indicated that the situation in Kampung Kuala Koh has returned to normal.
"I received reports that the Orang Asli (who were hospitalised) have recovered and resumed their regular activities,” she said, adding that water samples from the Bateq tribe settlement’s water supply showed no signs of foul play.
She said that despite proof that the water supply was not contaminated, there was still a pressing need to provide better quality and treated water to the community.
"We have asked the relevant ministries to look into this," she said.
The Bateq tribe of Kuala Koh were thrust into the spotlight recently when it emerged that a measles outbreak was the main cause of recent deaths within the community.
It was reported that out of the 113 reported cases of illnesses involving the Bateq tribe, 43 had tested positive for measles.
Source of air pollution in Pasir Gudang yet to be identified
Rizalman Hammim New Straits Times 26 Jun 19;
PASIR GUDANG: The authorities are having difficulty in pinpointing the exact cause of the air pollution here as urine and blood tests from victims have turned out negative.
Energy, Science, Technology, Environment and Climate Change Minister Yeo Bee Yin said the samples failed to detect any substances which caused the symptoms in the victims.
"This is different from the Sungai Kim Kim case where we had physiological evidence of the presence of several substances, including traces of cyanide, which enabled us to identified the exact cause.
"This time around, the victims are showing the symptoms but the tests have turned out negative. So it is difficult for us to pinpoint the exact cause," she said at a press conference at Menara Aqabah here. Also present was state Health, Culture and Heritage Committee chairman Mohd Khuzzan Abu Bakar.
According to Yeo, as a precaution, the authorities have ordered the removal of all chemical substances which might have caused the air pollution, from factories in the area.
So far, a total of 100 tonnes of chemical substances have been removed.
She said the government also planned to set up a permanent air pollutant monitoring station in Pasir Gudang which would carry out continuous monitoring of air quality levels in the area.
"This is part of our efforts be more proactive, as the station would be able to detect any pollutant in the air for immediate action.
"The details and design of the station will be discussed further. We hope to have it up and running as soon as possible," said Yeo. adding that the government had also proposed the creation of a Prediction of Chemical Dispersion system that would be the standard reference to ensure that all substances in Pasir Gudang were within the normal range.
"We will also study the possibility of creating a buffer zone between the industrial and residential areas," said Yeo.
Meanwhile, Khuzzan said only six victims still remain warded at the hospital.
"As of noon today, there was no new admission. Schools will also reopen on Sunday, depending on the air quality reading," he said.
Fishermen in Pasir Gudang hit hard by pollution
The Star 27 Jun 19;
JOHOR BARU: Fishermen want the state government to come out with an assurance that all seafood products in Pasir Gudang are safe as yet another pollution in the area affected prices.
One of them, Erman Zainal, 45, said business has been declining since the Sungai Kim Kim incident and now they only focus more on their loyal customers.
He hoped the government would step in to help the fishermen.
A visit by The Star to Kampung Pasir Gudang Baru fishermen’s market found the usually busy place all quiet and devoid of customers, although there were fresh fish on display.
“Although it’s only air pollution, the public’s perception is that it covers all due to the previous Sungai Kim Kim incident in March.
“The associations cannot be the ones doing the promotions and giving assurance because the public would only think of us as trying to promote our products,” he said when met at Josfa’s Kota Puteri office here.
“But if the government thinks that the fish here are contaminated and fishermen should lay off first as research is being conducted, we will comply,” he said.
South Johor Fishermen’s Association chairman Azli Mohamad Aziz said the repeat pollution in Pasir Gudang has hampered the area’s fish market recovery process.
“Before Sungai Kim Kim, our fishermen could make about RM1,000 a month but after the incident, our income has become unstable, with our overall market performance having dropped about 40%.”
