No toxic gas detected at 46 sites

ISKANDAR PUTERI: A total of 46 sites with pollution potential have been detected in Pasir Gudang but none are emitting toxic gases, says Energy, Technology, Science, Climate Change and Environment Minister Yeo Bee Yin.

She said the sites included a domestic landfill and a scheduled waste centre located within the Pasir Gudang industrial area.

“This is one of the findings by the scientific committee formed to look into the chemical dumping at Sungai Kim Kim.

“The committee uses satellite data and a drone to scour the whole of Pasir Gudang to identify all possible dumping locations.

“We hope that the state government and local authorities will take action by cleaning the identified locations,” she said after a briefing session on the Sungai Kim Kim crisis yesterday.

Yeo also said the ministry would strengthen its agencies’ enforcement units to prevent a repeat of the incident.

“Besides that, we will be making amendments to the Environmental Quality Act 1974, where we will be getting views and feedback on the matter.

“We hope that once everything is done, we will be able to table it in parliament before the end of this year,” she added.

Johor Health, Environment and Agriculture Committee chairman Dr Sahruddin Jamal, meanwhile, said the medical base at Pasir Gudang Municipal Council Indoor Stadium and the Disaster Management Committee operations centre in Menara Aqabah had been closed.

“However, the relevant agencies will continue monitoring the situation.

“Those who still feel symptoms such as eye irritation, nausea, vomiting, shortness of breath and dizziness are advised to seek early treatment at nearby hospitals and clinics,” he said.