JOHOR BARU – The chemical spillage in Sg Sengkang near Kulai yesterday, is believed to be a deliberate act by irresponsible individuals, said Johor Health and Environment Committee chairman R. Vidyananthan.
He said it was based on analysis of the distribution and flow of chemicals and the monitoring carried out by the Johor Environment Department (DoE) did not find any leaks in the intermediate bulk container (IBC) tanks in the area.
IBC tanks are used for storing and transporting bulk liquids and powders.
A thorough inspection conducted in the area found 116 IBC tanks containing various mixtures of acid and alkali-based chemicals in solid and liquid forms, he said.
He said black chemical spillage that had an unpleasant odour was spotted in one area believed to be the cause of the pollution in the river.
He said the state DoE has identified the landowner and its tenant, adding a directive had been issued instructing the tenant to carry out water flow mitigation works as well as cleaning works on the premises.
“The Johor DoE with the assistance of Ranhill SAJ, Johor Water Regulatory Body and the Irrigation and Drainage Department has monitored the rivers suspected to be polluted, apart from carrying out measures to contain the chemical spill,” he said in a statement today.
He said action would be taken against the offenders under the Environmental Quality Act 1974 (Act 127).
Two women were reportedly rushed to hospital after suffering from vomiting, believed to be due to inhalation of chemical fumes of a leaked substance from a storage warehouse that flowed into the river near their house at Jalan Besar Kg Baru, Sengkang in Kulai last night. – Bernama, July 5, 2021
