PASIR GUDANG: Classes resumed at 111 schools in Pasir Gudang today after being closed for approximately two weeks following the chemical pollution of Sungai Kim Kim, which sickened thousands.
Checks by the New Straits Times at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Pasir Gudang 2, which is located about 5km from Sungai Kim Kim, saw many students still wearing face masks as a precautionary measure.
It is learnt that roughly 90 per cent of pupils have returned to their respective schools.
Form 4 student Mohammad Muiz Zainuddin, 16, said many of his classmates returned to school despite still being worried over the incident.
“We are attending school as usual today, though we were encouraged to wear face masks as a precautionary measure,” he said.
The schools were closed on March 13 after fumes from chemical wastes which were illegally dumped into Sungai Kim Kim caused breathing difficulties for almost 6,000 people in Pasir Gudang.
The decision to reopen the schools was made after a thorough clean-up operation of the river, and test results which showed low levels of pollution.
Sanitation works were also conducted at all schools before the reopening.
The dumping of the chemical substances on March 7 caused 5,848 people to seek medical treatment after inhaling toxic fumes wafting from the river.
The last victim was released from hospital on March 25.
A used tyre processing factory and two of its directors were charged at the Sessions Court with 15 offences under two environmental regulations.
Meanwhile, the state Education Department said pupils’ attendance at the 111 schools today is quite encouraging.
State Islamic Affairs and Education Committee chairman Aminolhuda Hassan said a check at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Pasir Gudang II in Taman Mawar showed that attendance is over 90 per cent.
He said that the situation is similar in the other schools, and added that it demonstrates the confidence parents have in the Education Ministry’s decision to reopen the education institutions following the disaster.
“They also… accept the report by agencies on the improving air quality (in Pasir Gudang) following the cleaning efforts undertaken at Sungai Kim Kim, which cost RM6 million.
"(Although some students are still) using masks, it is merely a precautionary measure. As human beings, it is only natural for us to continue to be (cautious)," he said.
Aminolhuda was speaking to reporters after visiting SMK Pasir Gudang II here, today.
Also present was Johor Deputy Education Director, Azman Adnan.
He added that all 111 schools are operating as usual today.
"I believe the… pupils will be able to catch up on their lessons which (were disrupted) following the closure," he said.
Aminolhuda also said that the Takaful Pelajar Sekolah Malaysia forms have been submitted to 355 students affected by the chemical pollution.
"Those who were admitted to hospital are eligible to claim RM25 a day for the duration of their hospital treatment," he said.