JOHOR BARU: A total of 13 schools in Pasir Gudang have been ordered to close starting tomorrow until further notice following the pollution incident involving toxic waste disposal at Sungai Kim Kim last Thursday.
Johor Health, Environment and Agriculture Committee chairman Dr Sahruddin Jamal said the schools include the four which have already been closed – Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Taman Pasir Putih, Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Pasir Puteh, SK Tanjung Puteri Resort and SMK Tanjung Puteri Resort.
The other schools affected are SK Pasir Putih, SK Kota Masai 2, SMK Kota Masai 2, SK Kota Masai 3, SMK Kota Masai, SK Kota Masai, SK Perigi Acheh, Sekolah Agama Kampung Pasir Putih and Sekolah Agama Taman Pasir Putih.
He said the decision was achieved through the Working Committee Activation Meeting to address the incident of chemical waste disposal at Sungai Kim Kim, held here this evening.
Dr Sahruddin also said that the state government via its disaster management committee also activated a working committee to coordinate and monitor the situation.
Besides the closure of schools, the committee also agreed to appoint a licensed contractor to carry out clean up works in the 1.5km river, which would be coordinated by the Irrigation and Drainage Department as well as the Environmental Department.
He said the public was advised not to enter the area where the cleaning works would be carried out.
“The state government also stressed that the public should follow the state Health Department's recommendation for immediate treatment if they experience eye irritation, chest pains and shortness of breath,” he said.
Members of the public are also required to follow the latest information from reliable sources and comply with the authorities' instructions, he added. -BERNAMA