JOHOR BARU: The clean-up of illegally dumped chemical waste at the Tiong Nam Industrial Park and Desa Tropika Industrial Area here will take more than a week, says Ling Tian Soon.
He said that the clean-up work and disposal of the waste will be complete by Sept 22.
“A contractor has been designated to conduct the clean up works at the two locations, which were identified as the source of the pollution.
“During this time, I advise the public not to panic. Avoid entering or being in the area while the works are being carried out,” he said in a statement on Wednesday (Sept 11).
The Johor health and environment committee chairman said those experiencing discomfort or symptoms such as dizzy spells, nausea, vomiting, difficulties in breathing and chest pains as a result of inhaling the fumes should seek medical treatment immediately.
He added that those in the high-risk categories such as the elderly, children, pregnant women and chronically ill should also avoid outdoor activities in those areas.
“Upon suspected exposure to the chemical waste, shower immediately and separate your clothing in the laundry to prevent skin contact. All activities along Sungai Tebrau and Sungai Plentong should be avoided until further notice,” he added.
He urged those with information about the incident to get in touch with the Johor Environment Department at 1-800-88-2727 or the Johor Baru district disaster management committee operations room at 07-220 0604.
A spate of odour pollution was reported in various locations in Johor since Sept 3, including Kampung Melayu Pandan, Taman Daya, Taman Istimewa, Taman Mount Austin and the Desa Tropika Industrial Area.
Other affected areas are Kampung Maju Jaya, Kampung Tawakal, Kampung Plentong Baru and Kampung Orang Asli Pasir Intan.
On Tuesday (Sept 10), a lorry driver and his assistant, aged 23 and 28, were arrested on suspicion of their involvement in the odour pollution case that also led to the closure of three schools and 27 students falling ill.
The two suspects have been remanded until next Monday to assist with investigation under Section 430 of the Penal Code, which addresses offences linked to the decline of water or food supply to the people.
SK Kampung Maju and private schools Sekolah Rendah Islam Hidayah and Sekolah Menengah Islam Hidayah - with more than 3,000 students and 230 teachers - were temporarily closed and classes were moved to home-based teaching and learning (PdPR) following the incident.
In Kota Tinggi, 38 Kampung Orang Asli Pasir Intan residents had to be relocated to a temporary relief centre after the toxic fumes caused them to experience sore throat, nausea, dizziness, eye pain, vomiting and shortness of breath.
Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi also visited the polluted area on Monday (Sept 8) where he instructed the police and relevant agencies to form a task force and find out those responsible for polluting the river.
