On location: Zaini Kasirin, 49, at the Tebrau River in Kampung Maju Jaya following the odour pollution that happened. — Bernama
JOHOR BARU: Two men have been detained on suspicion of their involvement in an odour pollution case that led to the closure of three schools and 27 students getting ill.A lorry driver and his assistant, aged 23 and 28, were nabbed at about 11pm on Monday, said Johor Baru South OCPD Asst Comm Raub Selamat.
“The two suspects were arrested at an apartment here,” he said, adding that the men had no criminal record.
They have been remanded for seven days until next Monday to assist with the investigation under Section 430 of the Penal Code, which addresses offences linked to the decline of water or food supply to the people.
ACP Raub said both men were also suspected to be involved in a similar case in Sungai Linggiu, Kota Tinggi, on Sept 4 that led to Orang Asli families being relocated as they suffered from shortness of breath, dizziness and other discomfort.
Yesterday, state education and information committee chairman Aznan Tamin said three schools located near Sungai Tebrau had been told to carry out home-based teaching and learning, following the latest odour pollution which happened on Monday.
“For now, the PdPR session is only for Tuesday. Any extension will depend on the situation,” he said.
Aznan said the schools were SK Kampung Maju Jaya and two private schools, Sekolah Rendah Islam Hidayah and Sekolah Menengah Islam Hidayah.
SK Kampung Maju Jaya has 974 pupils and 64 teachers, Sekolah Rendah Islam Hidayah has 1,232 pupils and 92 teachers, and Sekolah Menengah Islam Hidayah has 807 students and 75 teachers.
On Monday, SK Kampung Maju Jaya was ordered to close after 27 pupils experienced dizziness and vomiting, believed to be caused by the odour pollution affecting Kampung Maju Jaya and Kampung Tawakal near Seelong here.
The affected pupils received initial treatment at the school. One pupil was sent to Hospital Sultanah Aminah for further treatment.
Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi, who visited the area on Monday, instructed the police and other relevant agencies to form a task force committee and find those responsible in polluting the river.
State works, transportation, infrastructure and communication committee chairman Mohamad Fazli Mohamad Salleh said the pollution cases of late had not impacted the water quality in the state as a telemetry system had been in place in rivers throughout Johor.
“The main purpose of placing the telemetry system in our river network is to monitor the water quality before it is channelled to the dams and water treatment plants. The device helps us to monitor the water quality in our rivers and whether it is safe for human usage,” he said.
Mohamad Fazli said the devices were placed at Sungai Skudai (Kulai), Sungai Sayong (Kota Tinggi), Sungai Semangar (Kota Tinggi), Sungai Johor (Kota Tinggi), Sungai Benut (Simpang Renggam) and Sungai Muar (Muar).
Mohamad Fazli also noted that there were 17 dams and 48 water treatment plants in Johor.
The pollution cases happened at Sungai Tebrau and Sungai Skudai here, and Sungai Linggiu in Kota Tinggi, he said.
“So far, the water quality at the rivers here is still under control,” he said.
Mohamad Fazli said it was important for the public to play their part and always ensure the rivers were free from pollution.“If polluted river water makes its way to the treatment plant, then it will take a longer time to process it and the cost will be higher.
“The government can absorb the cost but it is the public’s safety and health that what we are concerned about,” he added.
