JOHOR BARU: The Environment Department (DOE) is investigating complaints of a “mysterious chemical odour” detected in parts of Skudai and Perling here, says Johor health and environment committee chairman Ling Tian Soon (pic).
He said the department has been monitoring the situation since Wednesday (March 11) following reports from residents, but has found that the odour has been intermittent.
“Because the smell does not linger, it is difficult for the DOE to trace and identify the exact source,” he said when met at an event in Johor Baru on Thursday.
Ling said the department had gone to the ground to investigate after receiving complaints, but has so far not found any suspicious activities or a confirmed source of the smell.
“We are still receiving complaints from members of the public today.
“We are not sure whether the odour is coming from industrial waste or illegal dumping. Investigations are still ongoing,” he added.
He urged members of the public to report any suspicious activities, including the disposal of chemical substances or illegal dumping, to the authorities for immediate action.
According to an initial investigation report, department officers visited several locations, including SK Perling, the surrounding residential areas and Kampung Teluk Serdang.
They did not detect any abnormal odour during their inspection.
However, a school security guard, teachers and parents said they had earlier noticed a strong smell resembling burning plastic between 7am and 8am.
The report noted that students' physical condition at the school appeared normal.
The department’s enforcement officers also patrolled nearby areas in Kampung Teluk Serdang but did not find any suspicious source of the smell.
