Malaysia, Johor: Situation in Pasir Gudang under control, no need to close schools - MB

VENESA DEVI The Star 30 Aug 19;

MUAR: The situation in Pasir Gudang is under control and there is no immediate need to shut down schools in the district, says Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Dr Sahruddin Jamal.

Dr Sahruddin said there has not been any new case reported since Thursday (Aug 29), and students who fell sick on Wednesday (Aug 28) have since recovered.

"Whether or not schools need to be shut down depends on the decision by the state education department.

"If there is a need to shut down, we will shut down, but at the moment, we do not have to take such action, as the situation is under control," he said.

He added that the state education department would also take precautionary measures to handle the situation if it happens again.

On Wednesday, some 33 students from SK Taman Pasir Putih experienced breathing difficulties after inhaling a foul stench at the school.

This is the third time students from the school have gone through the same ordeal, as the school was also among those affected during the Pasir Gudang pollution incident in March and June this year.

School under watch after complaints of smell
The Star 29 Aug 19;

JOHOR BARU: An enforcement team comprising representatives of the Department of Environment (DoE) and the Fire and Rescue Department will be placed at SK Taman Pasir Putih throughout the examination period.

It will also monitor the surrounding areas in Pasir Gudang and conduct continuous air quality checks, said state Local Government, Urban Well-being and Environment committee chairman Tan Chen Choon.

This came about after 33 pupils from SK Taman Pasir Putih complained yesterday about a strong smell.

They also had breathing difficulties.

No sign of toxic waste disposal in Pasir Gudang
Bernama New Straits Times 30 Aug 19;

JOHOR BARU: Police have not found any sign of toxic waste disposal activity which could be linked to the incident on Wednesday when 33 students from SK Taman Pasir Putih in Pasir Gudang vomitted and complained of nausea after inhaling bad odour while school was in session.

Johor police chief Datuk Mohd Kamarudin Md Din confirmed that he had contacted Seri Alam district police chief Supt Ismail Dollah to inquire into the matter but was informed that no toxic waste disposal had been detected so far.

He said this in response to a question raised on whether police had received any reports of toxic waste disposal in Pasir Gudang.

In the incident about 7.30am, five boys and 28 girls were referred to the Pasir Gudang health clinic for treatment. -- Bernama