‘New pollution case in Johor under control’

PASIR GUDANG: The Johor government is downplaying the latest air pollution incident, which saw 15 people, including 13 students, suffering breathing difficulties and vomiting.

The incident occurred at two schools – Sekolah Agama Taman Mawar and SK Pasir Gudang 4 – at about 3.40pm yesterday.

State Health, Culture and Heritage Committee chairman Mohd Khuzzan Abu Bakar said the situation at both locations was secure and safe.

“Those affected are being treated at Sultan Ismail Hospital. Thirteen are students between the ages of seven and 12, while the other two are school staff.

“The public should not panic as the authorities are monitoring the ground situation closely,” he said when met at the location yesterday.

Mohd Khuzzan said the authorities would continue to monitor the air quality until tomorrow before making any decision.

“As of now, there is no need to open a disaster relief centre,” he said.

In March, a toxic pollution in Sungai Kim Kim resulted in over 4,000 people falling ill, which also saw the temporary closure of 111 schools in Pasir Gudang district.

State Islamic Religious Affairs, Agriculture and Rural Development Committee chairman Tosrin Jarvanthi said the government would hand out a special aid to those affected.

“Each receiving treatment in the hospital will get RM400. The aid will be channelled through the schools,” he said.

In Putrajaya, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said the ministry was aware of the incident and would closely monitor the situation.

“The symptoms look like a possibility of poisonous gas or those volatile organic gas compound … just like the Sungai Kim Kim’s incident but I need to evaluate the information to be able to comment on the matter,” he said yesterday.

Source: TheStar