Johor Sultan wants authorities to check on pollution in two rivers

JOHOR BARU:  After the chemical dumping incident in Sungai Kim Kim, Pasir Gudang, Johor Ruler Sultan Ibrahim Ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar wants the authorities to investigate two other rivers that have been polluted.

His Majesty decreed that he wanted the authorities to investigate the pollution happening in Sungai Ulu Benut and Sungai Machap in Simpang Renggam that has causes the death of many fish.

Sultan Ibrahim wants the authorities to conduct a thorough investigation to prevent a repeat of the Sungai Kim Kim incident.

His Majesty also wanted the relevant authorities to immediately submit a report on the pollution at the two rivers.

“Do the investigations and I want the report immediately. Anyone involved must be held responsible for polluting the rivers.

“This is an irresponsible action,” His Majesty decreed to the Royal Press Office, which is posted on Sultan Ibrahim's official Facebook page here on Monday (March 25).

It was reported that thousands of people, including children, in Pasir Gudang were affected due to the chemical waste dumped into Sungai Kim Kim, forcing the government to close 111 schools in the area.

Two directors and a lorry driver of a used tyre-processing company have been charged in the Sessions Court on Sunday (March 24) here with being involved in the chemical dumping into Sungai Kim Kim in Pasir Gudang.

The three accused are Singaporean Wang Jin Chao, 34, and Malaysians Yap Yoke Liang, 36, and lorry driver N. Maridass, 35.

They pleaded not guilty to the offences while Wang and Yap face further charges Monday.