JOHOR BARU: Odour pollution in Kampung Maju Jaya left 21 primary school students here feeling sick.
Village chief Roslan Hassan said the students from Sekolah Kebangsaan Kampung Maju Jaya experienced symptoms including nausea, breathing difficulties and dry throats.
The students, aged 10 to 12, were given medical treatment and sent home.
"Parents were allowed to bring their children home after odour pollution was detected in a tributary near here," he said, adding afternoon sessions were cancelled.
On whether classes would be held tomorrow, Roslan said this would depend on the situation.
He said villagers hoped there would not be a repeat of the odour pollution as it could affect the people, particularly children and senior citizens.
Roslan also hoped the authorities would act against the person responsible for the incident.
"It's not fair to the innocent villagers who have to face this because of their illegal actions."
Meanwhile, state Education and Information Committee chairman Aznan Tamin confirmed that the school has been ordered to shut.
He said the district disaster management committee will meet later to decide on closing other schools in the area.
"For other schools, we will take precautionary measures including mandating the use of facemasks," he said when contacted.