KUALA LUMPUR: Victims of the pollution incident in Pasir Gudang, Johor, which left hundreds hospitalised and schools temporarily closed last month, should be compensated.
Pasir Gudang member of parliament Hassan Abdul Karim said the government should consider providing such aid to those badly affected by the pollution caused by the dumping of toxic waste in Sungai Kim Kim.
“This is also where the tribunal (for victims) plays an important role in protecting the rights of the consumers.
“I also agree with the suggestion for some kind of compensation, maybe ex-gratia extended to the victims.
“Although the real cause has yet to be identified, I'm confident that the government could address the matter,” he said.
Hassan was echoing sentiments aired by Arau MP Datuk Seri Dr Shahidan Kassim and Pontian MP Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan, who spoke during the debate on the Consumer Protection (Amendment) bill at the Dewan Rakyat on Monday.
The latest pollution incident last month came three months after the discovery that Sungai Kim Kim was the site of severe toxic pollution, which affected more than 6,000 residents.
It also caused the temporary closure of 111 schools.
In March, more than 100 students and residents near the river fell sick and were hospitalised.
The authorities later established that the incident was triggered by the dumping of toxic chemicals into the river.