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Pasir Gudang Chemical Pollution: Mercy Malaysia working around the clock

Mar 19, 2019

Image: Mercy Malaysia

MERCY Malaysia are still working around the clock for relief efforts Pasir Gudang, Johor, following the chemical waste dumping incident.

Its president Dato Dr Ahmad Faizal says his team has been on the ground since last week and will continue to be there for the time being

Meanwhile, he says they are faced with many challenges including gettting supplies of simple items like mineral water...

They were also affected with sore throats and sore eyes when they initially started the operation, as they were not properly equipped.

He adds that Mercy Malaysia has deployed a team of at least 20 people including doctors, and nurses.

Meanwhile, the Health Minister says nearly 400 patients are still receiving treatment as of midnight.
 

Image: The Sun

Separately, police have not ruled out making more arrests in connection with the illegal dumping in Pasir Gudang.

IGP Tan Sri Mohd Fuzi Harun says they are still trying to identify the mastermind.

He adds that the 9 men, who were arrested at the weekend, have been remanded for 6 days to help investigations.
 

Image: Berita Harian

In response to the Pasir Gudang pollution, the government says it's considering amending the Environmental Quality Act to ensure that pollution can be reduced more efficiently.

Presently, those convicted are liable to a RM 500,000 fine and a jail sentence of 5 years.
 

Image: MSN

But, the Pasir Gudang crisis might not be over.

Just 2 days after Sungai Kim Kim was cleaned up, another 2 chemical waste dump sites have been found in the area!

The sites at Sungai Sembilan and Sungai Masai have been cordoned off while several blue barrels of suspected chemical waste have been removed. 

Separately, the Selangor Water Management Authority says finished cleaning a pond in in Klang which was contaminated due to illegal dumping