JOHOR BARU: Investigations have revealed that the chemicals found in Sungai Pandan recently have the potential to harm public health, says Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi.

The Johor Mentri Besar added that the chemicals consist of toxic components that have polluted the air and caused a very strong and unpleasant smell.

“I been told that an investigation has been carried out by the Environment Department (DOE) and the Johor Fire and Rescue Department through its Hazardous Materials (Hazmat) team to identify the chemical residues contained in the contaminated water samples to curb the pollution.

“Investigations showed that the chemicals found in the river area have the potential to harm public health, with toxic components that have polluted the air and caused a very strong and unpleasant smell,” he said in a Facebook post here on Monday (Sept 9).

Onn Hafiz added that he has instructed and urged the police and related agencies to set up a special task force to deal with this pollution issue as best as possible so that strict action can be taken against irresponsible parties.

He said that he does not want this issue to see a repeat and requested industrialists and the public to work together to take care of the cleanliness and quality of the environment.

“All of this is important to ensure well-being, protect public health, and preserve our environment for future generations,” he said.

Meanwhile, state education and information committee chairman Aznan Tamin confirmed that the Education Ministry had directed SK Kampung Maju Jaya to be closed on Monday (Sept 9) due to the pollution.

“SK Kampung Maju Jaya is a two session school, which has 1,024 students with 64 teachers and six administrators. The ministry gave the directive to temporarily close the school at around 1pm.

“The ministry will soon decide how long the school would be closed during a meeting later tonight,” he added.

When asked about other schools in the affected area, Aznan said they were waiting for the result of the district disaster committee meeting.

"In other schools, we have taken early precautions by asking the students and teachers to wear face masks,” he said.

Earlier, some 21 pupils at SK Kampung Maju Jaya experienced nausea, shortness of breath and dizziness due to being exposed to odour pollution since Monday morning.

Health officials from the Kempas health clinic arrived at the scene to provide medical treatment to the pupils before they were allowed to leave.

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/09/09/jb-odour-pollution-one-school-ordered-to-close-after-21-pupils-suffer-nausea-shortness-of-breath-dizziness