JOHOR BARU: The chemical dumping incident in Sungai Kim Kim in Pasir Gudang, here, is under control and there is no need to declare a state of emergency in the area.
Menteri Besar Datuk Osman Sapian said the situation has stabilised and cleaning works at the site is ongoing.
"We will appoint two more contractors to carry out the cleaning works, bringing the number of contractors to three as we want it to be completed quickly. We expect cleaning works to be completed within a week," said Osman.
He also said there is no need to declare a state of emergency in the area.
"I don't expect the situation to worsen. Our main concern now is to complete the cleaning works as quickly as possible," said Osman, who is also the chairman of the state disaster management committee.
He was speaking to the media after chairing a meeting of the committee at the Pasir Gudang Municipal Council's headquarters, here.
Also present were Health Minister Datuk Seri Dzulkefly Ahmad and Energy, Science, Technology, Environment and Climate Change Minister Yeo Bee Yin.
Osman also said that the state government has approved an emergency allocation of RM6.4 million for the cleaning works and as assistance to the victims.
"We have also contacted the Armed Forces, Petronas and the Meteorology Department to provide additional detection equipment that we will install in the affected areas," said Osman.
He said the equipment are needed as changes in weather would have an effect on the cleaning works.
Meanwhile, Dr Dzulkefly said 506 victims are currently being treated for inhaling toxic fumes.
"Of that number, 166 have been warded with nine in the intensive care unit (ICU)," said Dr Dzulkefly.
He also denied news being spread on social media that one victim has died.
"There is no death in this incident. All victims are stable."
He said two mobile clinics have been set up in Taman Mawar and Taman Pasir Putih with six medical teams from the Sultanah Aminah Hospital and Sultan Ismail Hospital on standby.
"We also urge the public to avoid going to the dumping site and to seek immediate treatment if they show any symptoms like nausea, vomiting and breathing difficulties," said Dr Dzulkefly.
He also said that the ministry has recommended the use of R95 masks for those in the affected areas.