JOHOR BARU: The remand period for a lorry driver and his assistant, who are assisting with the investigation into the chemical odour pollution in this Johor Baru and Kota Tinggi, has been extended by six more days.
The two suspects, aged 23 and 28, who were arrested here last Monday, had previously been remanded for seven days.
The extension order was issued by Magistrate Nurul Farahah Mohd Suah following a request by the investigating officer from the South Johor Baru district police headquarters.
District police chief Assistant Commissioner Raub Selamat previously said checks revealed neither suspect had any prior criminal record.
He added that urine tests also showed that both individuals were not under the influence of drugs.
The case is being investigated under Section 430 of the Penal Code.
On Sept 3, chemical odour pollution was reported in several residential areas around Sungai Pandan, affecting residents of Kampung Melayu Pandan, Mount Austin, Taman Daya, and Taman Istimewa.
The state Department of Environment detected high levels of ammonia gas exceeding normal levels around the Sungai Pandan area in Kampung Melayu Pandan.
The pollution was later reported in the Tropika Industrial Park area, Ulu Tiram. The department found that the chemical waste detected there matched the waste from the Tiong Nam industrial area, which caused the odour pollution in Kampung Melayu Pandan.