Two schools hit by toxic gas ordered closed again

JOHOR BARU: Two schools affected by toxic fumes last week were ordered to close again after students started showing symptoms of chemical exposure.

Classes had resumed at SK Taman Pasir Putih and SM Taman Pasir Putih for only five hours yesterday before the decision was made by the Fire and Rescue Hazmat (hazardous materials) team.

“The decision to reopen the schools was made on Sunday but now we are closing them until further notice,” he told reporters after visiting the schools yesterday.

On March 7, 30 people including 18 students from the schools were admitted to hospitals in Pasir Gudang after exposure to hazardous gas from chemical waste that was illegally dumped into a river.

Two victims, including a student, were intubated as their respiratory systems were blocked.

In yesterday’s incident, Dr Sahruddin said as of 1.30pm, eight students were taken to Sultan Ismail Hospital while 10 students and two teachers received treatment at the schools.

Dr Sahruddin added that the Hazmat unit found that the air quality in the schools was normal but will conduct thorough investigations.

“We are trying to find out what triggered this incident, whether it is really because of the chemical or just a panic reaction from other students who saw their friends having trouble breathing.

“We have also received reports of students fainting this morning because they skipped breakfast. So there are a lot of factors that we need to clarify,” he said.

He added that the Johor Disaster Relief Committee will meet again today to discuss the issue.

Johor Hazmat unit chief Saiful Bahari Safar said he ordered for the schools to close at about noon and investigations are underway.

“Based on our checks and the air quality reading, this incident should not have happened,” he said when met at the scene.

Source : TheStar