JOHOR BARU: The Environment Department (DOE) has detected unusual levels of ammonia gas along Sungai Pandan near Kampung Melayu Pandan.
Its senior deputy director for Johor, Mohd Rashdan Topa, said the gas was detected at around 4pm on Tuesday (Sept 3).
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He added that air quality around Sungai Pandan area was measured using a multi-gas detector, which showed high parameter readings above safe air concentration levels.
"So far, we have not been able to confirm the chemical (involved in the river pollution), but based on the air quality monitoring in Sungai Pandan on Tuesday, the concentration of ammonia was high while other parameters were normal.
“However, the reading returned to a normal level following another round of monitoring at the same location at 1am on Wednesday (Sept 4) morning,” he told the media at the scene on Wednesday afternoon.
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Rashdan added that those living in areas with high levels of ammonia gas may experience dizziness and nausea.
He also said two villagers were given outpatient treatment following chemical odour pollution in the area but no one had been warded.
The DOE was still trying to determine if the ammonia was released by factories or other premises along the river, or from chemicals dumped by irresponsible parties, he added.
He added that aerial monitoring using drones was carried out along a 2km stretch of the river, while soil and water samples had been sent to the Chemistry Department for analysis.
"We received a complaint in Taman Daya and also investigated that area.
"We are worried that there was waste disposal further up the river, which could explain the strong odour around Kampung Melayu Pandan downstream.
"We also found the water behind a kindergarten is black and has a strong smell,” he said.
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There are more than 100 factories and premises operating along Sungai Pandan.
A strong chemical odour was detected around Taman Daya, Taman Mount Austin and Taman Istimewa on Tuesday (Sept 3) morning, spreading to Kampung Melayu Pandan.
Several villagers claimed the overpowering stench had caused them to feel dizzy.
On Wednesday, Johor Baru mayor Datuk Mohd Noorazam Osman said the city council was awaiting DOE's full report, which would help it identify the culprit and take enforcement action.
