KUALA LUMPUR: A total of 937 cases of victims poisoned by toxic fumes in Pasir Gudang have been recorded since last Thursday.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said no fatalities have occurred. The victims, he said, were treated at the Sultan Ismail Hospital, Sultanah Aminah Hospital and Permai Hospital.
Twelve are still being treated at intensive care units and are currently in stable condition.
"Yesterday, 162 new cases were reported and from the number, 108 were warded while the rest were given outpatient treatment.
"For now, no deaths have been recorded. The ministry has mobilised its assets since day one," Dr Dzulkefly told a press conference in Parliament.
He also said from the total number of cases, 19 victims were health service staff members.
"Eight of them are medical officers, four nurse aides, seven nurses, one driver and one medical specialist."
Dr Dzulkefly said people in Pasir Gudang should seek immediate medical care should they experience nausea and eye irritations.
At the same time, Dr Dzulkefly felt that the school children’s apparent acute vulnerability to the fumes was likely to the schools' open space.
"(Perhaps) the fumes spread easier due to the wind sweeping across school fields. People at home are less exposed due to closed structure of houses."