Second wave of chemical pollution pushes up victims to 207

The number of victims in the dumping of toxic waste into Sungai Kim Kim last Thursday has risen dramatically to 207 people as at 11pm last night, following a second wave of attack which took place at noon yesterday.

Johor Health director Dr Selahuddeen Abd Aziz said as at noon yesterday, the second wave incident affected students of Sekolah Kebangsaan Taman Pasir Putih and Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Taman Pasir Putih.

“As at 11pm, 29 people have been sent to health clinics nearby for examination, while 77 victims were referred to Sultan Ismail Hospital (HSI), in which 35 were warded for further treatment.

"Out of the 35, four patients were warded in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). With 16 patients from the first wave allowed to return home, the total number of patients still warded at HSI now stands at 44 (six in ICU and 38 in the normal ward),” he said in a statement released in Johor Bahru last night.

On the overall, the 44 patients at HSI comprise 11 adult patients and 33 students, Selahhuddeen added.

As in the first incident, victims who inhaled the gas suffered shortness of breath and vomiting.

Both SK Taman Pasir Putih and SMK Taman Pasir Putih have been closed again by the authorities.

Selahhuddeen advised schools and residents to seek treatment if they experienced symptoms of breathing difficulties after inhaling the chemical gas.

Members of the public are advised to avoid entering the affected areas in Sungai Kim Kim in Pasir Gudang until further instructions.

- Bernama

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