JOHOR BARU: The presence of ammonia gas at higher than normal levels along Sungai Pandan has been detected, says the Environment Department.
State senior deputy director Mohd Rashdan Topa said the gas was detected on Tuesday around 4pm following reports of chemical odour pollution in three areas.
He said a multi-gas detector was used to measure air quality around Sungai Pandan area, adding that the reading showed high parameter above AEGL 1 (safe air concentration level).
“We have not been able to confirm the chemical but based on the air quality monitoring carried out by the department at the site on Tuesday, it was found that the concentration of ammonia was high.
“However, the reading at Sungai Pandan returned to a normal during another round of air quality inspection at 1am,” he told reporters when met at the scene yesterday.
Mohd Rashdan said two villagers received outpatient treatment and explained those who reside in an area that has high levels of ammonia gas could experience dizziness and nausea.
He said the department was still investigating whether the ammonia gas was released by premises along the river or have been dumped by irresponsible parties.
Unhealthy levels: Mohd Rashdan (left) inspecting the area along Sungai Pandan in Johor Baru for pollutants.
The department carried out aerial monitoring using drones along 2km of Sungai Pandan area and took soil and water samples for analysis.
Kampung Melayu Pandan Residents’ Association chairman Mohd Fauzi Mohamad said the air quality was now much better compared to Tuesday.
“There is still some slight odour especially along Sungai Pandan, but things are getting back to normal.
“However, we are still concerned because the authorities have yet to identify the chemical substance they found in the river,” he added.
Johor Baru mayor Datuk Mohd Noorazam Osman said that Sungai Pandan, which is also known as Sungai Tebrau, had been earmarked for redevelopment under MBJB’s special area plans (RKK) for the next 10 years.
He said under the RKK, squatters and factories along or near the river would be relocated as part of efforts to clean up the area and improve the river’s water quality.
On the incident, Mohd Noorazam said MBJB was liaising with the department to get its full report that would determine who is responsible for it to take action.
