JOHOR BARU: Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Osman Sapian has instructed the Department of Environment (DoE) to investigate several alleged cases of dumping of chemical waste in the Masai area.
“Until a complete report is obtained from DoE, the area should be entirely closed for the clean-up and investigation to be carried out.
“If it’s true that irresponsible people have dumped effluents illegally, strict action will be taken against them,” he said in a statement here today.
Osman vowed that he will never allow a repeat of the chemical waste disaster because the people’s lives and safety are at stake.
“I urge the people to keep away from the area and abide by the safety regulations,” he said.
Yesterday, several blue barrels believed to be used as containers of chemical effluents were found near Sungai Sembilang, behind Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Taman Tanjung Puteri Resort.
The school is one of hundreds in the state closed following the spread of toxic fumes emanating from chemical waste dumped into Sungai Kim Kim recently. -- BERNAMA