Pasir Gudang toxic fumes: All schools in affected area ordered to close until Thursday (June 27)

A school student from Taman Mawar in Pasir Gudang, Johor, is brought to the hospital after suffering breathing difficulties. – Bernama

PASIR GUDANG: All kindergartens, schools and institutions of higher learning in Taman Mawar, Pasir Gudang have been ordered to close until Thursday (June 27).

The state technical and scientific committee, in a meeting on Sunday (June 23), decided that educational institutions located within the area should be closed.

Among the schools affected are SK Bukit Dahlia, SK Taman Cahaya Masai, SK Felda Cahaya Baru, SK Kong Kong Laut, SK Taman Nusa Damai, SK Kopok, SK Kota Masai 3, SK Taman Cendana, SMK Taman Nusa Damai, SMK Pasir Gudang, SMK Kota Masai, SJK(T) Pasir Gudang, SK Taman Scientex, SMK Taman Scientex, SK Pasir Gudang 4 and SMK Pasir Gudang 2.

This comes after the Fire and Rescue Department received a distress call at around 11am on Sunday (June 23) from SMK Nusa Damai, SK Bukit Dahlia and SK Kopok after students suffered breathing difficulties and vomiting.

State health, culture and heritage committee chairman Mohd Khuzzan Abu Bakar said as of 3.30pm, about 13 people have been referred to Sultan Ismail Hospital (HSI) while another 49 received treatment at a temporary clinic at the Pasir Gudang Indoor Stadium and health clinics around here.

"The Environment Department, together with other agencies, are investigating the cause of the air pollution.

"We have narrowed down the source and will make an announcement soon," he said at a press conference held at the Pasir Gudang Indoor Stadium here.

There are now a total of 77 patients seeking treatment after being exposed to toxic fumes here.

The incident began on Thursday (June 20) after about 15 students from Sekolah Agama Taman Mawar in Pasir Gudang suffered breathing difficulties and vomiting.