IPOH: The second and third waves of methane gas poisoning in Sungai Kim Kim, Pasir Gudang, Johor, could have been avoided if the toxic material was discarded immediately upon identification.
The subsequent waves of toxic fumes occurred after the department, via its hazardous materials team, had declared that the air in the affected area was safe.
“The disposal of such materials do not fall under the scope of the Fire and Rescue Department as this involves various agencies under the state Disaster Management Committee,” said Fire and Rescue Department director-general Datuk Mohammad Hamdan Wahid.
“The department is tasked with rescuing those in the area.
“The material was identified and yet it was not discarded.
“I understand that its disposal would incur a high cost.
“So, because of high cost, and a lack of initiative, this material was just left there.
“To me, this is the wrong move. It should have been done (discarded) well before it posed a danger to the nearby community.”
Hamdan said this after attending the Fire and Rescue Department Excellence Award ceremony in Meru, here, on Wednesday.
He praised the Johor government for closing schools near the area as the hot weather could lead to a more severe chemical reaction.
“I had from yesterday (Tuesday) asked for action to be taken with regards to a specific radius due to possible chemical reaction from the hot weather.
“I believe that the closure of the schools and evacuation was necessary to ensure everyone’s safety.”