Schools had to be closed, a lot of children fell ill and it was all because of the chemical pollution in Sungai Kim Kim.
The government had a massive clean up and it was guaranteed that the area was safe again… or so they though
Fast-forward three months later; history repeats itself – many suffered breathing difficulties and a whopping 111 schools in Pasir Gudang were closed down.
The government has yet to determine the source of the pollution but checks by the local authorities detected three harmful gases at the height of the crisis in Pasir Gudang.
According to The Star, methyl mercaptan, acrylonitrile, and acrolein gases were found in the air.
Energy, Science, Technology, Environment and Climate Change Minister Yeo Bee Yin said the presence of the gas was an anomaly.
These gases can be very harmful to children and those with health conditions such as asthma.
However, none of these gases were found in the blood samples of the victims.
“The ministry has initiated immediate measures to dispose factors that contribute to the presence of the gases.”
"Authorities are also continuing enforcement efforts and to monitor chemical factories in Pasir Gudang."
We hope that this crisis will end quickly and we pray for the health of Pasir Gudang residents.