Johor methane poisoning: 39 still in hospital, four in ICU

JOHOR BARU: A total of 39 people are still being treated at the Sultan Ismail Hospital (HSI) here following exposure to methane gas originating from chemicals which had been illegally dumped in a river near Taman Pasir Putih in Pasir Gudang here, yesterday.

Deputy Education Minister Teo Nie Ching said 21 of the victims are students from SMK Pasir Putih and SK Pasir Putih.

She said four of the victims are in the Intensive Care Unit, including two students from SMK Pasir Putih. The other two victims are a canteen operator and an ambulance driver.

“All the victims, aged between five and 44, are reported to be in stable condition and are still under observation. None of the victims is a senior citizen,” Teo said at a press conference after visiting the victims, today.

Also present was HSI deputy director (medical 2) Dr Surya Marsom.

Teo said the ministry will cooperate with the Department of Environment (DOE) to identify the parties responsible for the incident.

She said stern action needs to be taken against those responsible, as the incident has endangered innocent lives.

“This is not the first time that this has happened. A similar incident happened in Klang last year, although that was not as severe as this one,” said Teo.

Meanwhile, Dr Surya said some of the victims will be allowed to go home today as their conditions have improved.

Source: NST