8 Schools In Pasir Gudang Have Been Closed In One Day Due To Toxic Pollution
It is believed over 60 victims have been affected so far.
By Alyssa J. Oon — 24 Jun 2019, 05:10 PM
Eight schools in Pasir Gudang, Johor have been closed today alone, 24 June, allegedly due to toxic pollution in the area
Bernama reported that students at eight schools began experiencing breathing difficulties and vomiting earlier this morning.
The eight schools join 16 other schools which were ordered to close for four days until Thursday, 27 June, by the Ministry of Education.
Back in March, over 100 schools in Pasir Gudang had to be shut down for a period of two weeks due to toxic pollution at Sungai Kim Kim, which resulted in over 5,000 people ill.
To date, it is believed that over 60 victims have received treatment since the reports started coming in last Thursday, 20 June
According to Bernama, 15 students from Sekolah Agama Taman Mawar began to experience vomiting and breathing difficulties.
By the next day (21 June), 29 students had to receive treatment for similar symptoms.
Victims who began experiencing symptoms today are being treated at Pasir Gudang Closed Stadium.
Following the latest wave of victims, Pasir Gudang MP Hassan Abdul Karim called for a cease of chemical factories operations to allow the air quality to improve
"I also suggest that the Federal government take over the issue from the state government as this pollution is believed to be due to gas leakage," he said in a statement, reported The Star.
Hassan also suggested that all schools in the area be closed until the situation improves, and for the state government to declare Pasir Gudang as a "disaster zone".
"I hope there will be no effort to cover this up or to protect any factories that were involved in flouting our environmental laws."