39 affected so far by 'strange odour' in Kg Sg Tiram

JOHOR BARU: A total of 39 children and adults have been affected by the "strange odour" in Kampung Sungai Tiram, says Johor tourism, environment, heritage, and culture committee chairman K. Raven Kumar.

He said following the incident on Tuesday (Aug 1) afternoon, the Johor Environment Department (DOE) had inspected six factories in the area and collected the necessary samples.

"Initial tests showed no abnormalities in air and water quality so the public should refrain from pointing fingers.

"We are still finding the source of the foul odour and alleged pollution.

"The DOE will widen its inspection radius and collect more samples for tests in the coming week," he told a press conference after visiting one of the suspected sites on Thursday (Aug 3).

On Tuesday (Aug 1), 23 pupils, two teachers, a school clerk and two canteen staff members from SK Sungai Tiram and Sekolah Agama Sungai Tiram suffered from dizzy spells and vomiting after smelling "a strange odour" at around 3pm.

Raven said Health Ministry officials went to the schools to provide medical treatment to those affected while the Fire and Rescue Department, DOE and related agencies began their investigations.

"The next day (Aug 2), the Health Ministry carried out active case detection where they conducted a door-to-door survey to identify other possible victims.

"From there, 11 residents were found to have suffered similar symptoms including sore eyes, sore throat, headache and nausea, bringing the total victims to 39 so far," he said, adding that none of them required hospitalisation and all were in a stable condition.

The affected students were in Year One, Two and Three while the adults were aged 30 to 50.

He urged those who felt unwell to seek medical attention at the nearest health clinic or hospital immediately to prevent their condition from worsening.

Checks by The Star found that there was no foul smell in the area but it had been raining from morning to around 4pm on Thursday.

Residents and shops were operating as usual and parents were also seen picking up their children after school in the evening.