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Factories found with high traces of toxic gases

JOHOR BARU: Authorities have identified three chemical factories within the Pasir Gudang area which have been found with high traces of toxic gases.

Environment Department director-general Norlin Jaafar yesterday said the factories, which have since been sealed, were found to emit gases such as methyl mercaptan, acrolein and acrylonitrile.

“These factories have been found to have the highest methyl mercaptan readings and are within a 3km-­radius of the Taman Mawar religious school and SK Pasir Gudang 4.

“Initially, the readings were 130 parts per million (ppm) while the permissible level is about 40ppm,” she said at a press conference.

Norlin, who refused to divulge the identities of the three factories or the nature of their business, said the DoE was in the midst of completing its investigation papers.

On the various illegal factories in the area, she said DoE has carried out enforcement efforts on at least three such premises. It is learnt that there are at least 18 illegal factories in the area.

Norlin also urged the public to give relevant information as DoE was offering RM5,000 for genuine tip-offs.

“We will also keep their identities a secret,” she said, adding that DoE will continue to come down hard on polluters.

Source: TheStar