The Malaysian Insight

THE Johor Department of Environment (DOE) has given its assurance that Sungai Kim Kim in Pasir Gudang is free of any chemical contamination following a thorough cleanup.

Department director Dr Mohammad Ezzani Mat Salleh said tests indicate the air in the area is safe to breathe.

The illegal dumping of chemicals into the river two-weeks-ago has had a deleterious effect on the health of more than 1,000 people, mostly students attending school near Sg Kim Kim.

The DOE said 20 tonnes of chemical waste could have been dumped into the river that triggered the environmental and public health crisis.

A total of 111 schools in Pasir Gudang were ordered closed since the crisis, which came to light on March 7 when schoolchildren fell ill. Schools were also closed in the last week for the mid-term school holidays and are due to open tomorrow. – March 30, 2019.