KUALA LUMPUR: The investigation into the ferric acid leak from a chemical manufacturing facility in Ipoh, which saw four firemen and two workers rushed to the hospital, is still being investigated.
Deputy Human Resources Minister Datuk Ismail Abd Muttalib said legal action would be taken against Malay-Sino Chemical Industries Sdn Bhd, if it was found to have breached any laws that led to the acid leak.
"Malaysia is one of the earliest countries in Asia that enforced the special rule on major hazards. A special section was created for this, that is the Control of Industrial Major Accident Hazards section.
"The government regards accidents involving hazardous chemicals seriously. If the plant is found to have breached any policy, we will take legal action on them," he said in response to a question by V. Sivakumar (DAP-Batu Gajah).
Sivakumar had asked the ministry on its stance on the plant and to provide a detailed report on the chemical leakage incident which occurred on Sept 17.
The report detailed that the incident occured at 9.45am when the Ferric Chloride tank suddenly collapsed and broke, leading to the leakage.
The victims who inhaled toxic fumes from the tank had displayed symptoms such as breathing difficulty, red eyes and stomach ache.
"The incident had led to one worker being hospitalised from Sept 17 to 27 and given leave for 25 days from the day of the incident.
"Another worker and four firemen were given outpatient treatment while no residents in the surrounding area were reported to have suffered any injuries from the leak." he said.