MB: High-risk chemical factories likely to be relocated

JOHOR BARU: Following the chemical pollution in Pasir Gudang, the state government is looking at relocating high-risk chemical factories and setting up a buffer zone as part of long-term measures to deal with the problem that has hit the area twice within months.

Mentri Besar Datuk Dr Sahruddin Jamal said the relocation of factories comprised a part of a sustainable development plan for Pasir Gudang, which was currently being drafted.

“We have plans to relocate high- risk chemical factories in Pasir Gudang as well as to create a buffer zone that separates industrial areas from residential ones in Pasir Gu­­dang.

“We will also form two committees to monitor and identify the sources of pollution in Pasir Gu­­dang,” he said in his winding up speech at the Johor state assembly yesterday.

Dr Sahruddin said that one of the committees would focus on monitoring pollution in Pasir Gudang, while the other would be focused on technical and scientific development in relation to chemical pollution in the district.

“The monitoring committee, consisting of non-governmental organisations (NGOs), Parent-Teachers Associations (PTAs), assemblymen and the Pasir Gudang Emergency Mutual Aid organisation will be responsible for providing updated reports regarding the level of pollution in the district.

“The technical and scientific committee will coordinate, oversee and identify the impact of pollution on Pasir Gudang,” he said.

He also said that the technical and scientific committee would involve technical departments within the government as well as experts from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia.

Both committees are required to have regular meetings and submit monthly reports to the local government, urban wellbeing and environmental committee chairman, he said.

Dr Sahruddin said that the state government would also beef up enforcement on factories in Pasir Gudang.

“Factories that are found to have committed offences and given two notices will be ordered to shut down immediately by the local authorities,” he said.