Pasir Gudang chemical pollution: Mercy Malaysia calls for volunteers

PETALING JAYA: Mercy Malaysia is calling for volunteers with medical expertise to help with the chemical dumping incident in Pasir Gudang, Johor.

The NGO sent out a request for doctors, nurses and pharmacists who could volunteer in the relief efforts there.

"There is an urgent need for medical care for the people affected," the NGO said on its Facebook page on Thursday (March 14).

Mercy Malaysia's response team has been on the ground since Wednesday, it also stated.

It called for volunteers to email [e-mail] to register their willingness to help.

Mercy Malaysia also gave safety and health tips for people in the vicinity.

It urged people to avoid entering the polluted area, to use only treated water, to shower as soon as one returns home from the outdoors, and to wash clothes that have been worn outdoors separately from other clothes.

Those with sore eyes, sore throats, chest pains and breathing difficulties were also advised to seek medical attention.