JOHOR BARU: After five years of the Sungai Kim Kim pollution incident, the story of 16-year-old Irfan Wafiy Idham Wazir sheds light on the ongoing struggles faced by victims dealing with toxic effects.
Irfan's battle with Myokymia, a condition causing tremors and the need for a walking stick, highlights the enduring health impacts of the crisis
The struggles extend beyond Irfan, affecting nearly 1,000 residents living along Sungai Kim Kim.
Concerns arise about potential side effects and the emotional toll on these individuals, emphasising that chemical waste pollution brings both immediate and long-term consequences for victims, their families, and the affected community.
Although, the government has allocated substantial funds for rescue, relocation, and cleanup efforts, totaling RM6.4 million after the March 7, 2019 incident, this financial assistance does not fully cover ongoing medical treatment costs for victims and extended recovery efforts.
Furthermore, repercussions extend to planned developments in the area, where projects face potential postponement or modification, resulting in long-term setbacks for the state or country.
The recent Sessions Court decision, imposing a RM100,000 fine on a lorry driver responsible for illegal waste disposal into Sungai Kim Kim, and the RM320,000 fine on P Tech Resources Sdn Bhd, deemed inadequate by many, has prompted calls for stricter penalties penalties
The state government has decided to appeal to the Deputy Public Prosecutor (DPP), seeking an increase in the maximum penalty to RM100,000 for each offense.
The state government has decided to appeal to the Deputy Public Prosecutor (DPP), seeking an increase in the maximum penalty to RM100,000 for each offense.
Critics argue that the current maximum fine does not align with the extensive suffering experienced by victims and the broader societal impact, including financial losses incurred by individuals and the government.
In contrast, some advanced countries, such as the United States, have enacted comprehensive environmental legislation like the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), holding responsible parties accountable for cleanup costs and liabilities.
The call for greater accountability resonates in the ongoing enforcement and resolution of laws, such as the Environmental Quality Act 1974 (Act 127) and the Water Services Industry Act 2006 (Act 655).
Emphasis is placed on factoring in long-term costs, whether borne by victims or the government, to ensure a more equitable and just response to environmental disasters.