SAM CALLS FOR URGENT ACTION AGAINST COMPANIES RESPONSIBLE FOR TOXIC POLLUTION AT SUNGAI KIM KIM, JOHORE

Sahabat Alam Malaysia (SAM) calls on the Department of Environment (DOE) and the Johore State Government to take stern action against the culprits who dumped chemicals into Sungai Kim Kim near Pasir Gudang, which has been going on since March 7, which has affected the health of almost 500 people, mainly children from schools along the river.

More than a week has gone by since the tragedy of the illegal dumping of chemical wastes into the Sungai Kim Kim. SAM is of the view that urgent and immediate action is needed to expedite prosecution of the perpetrators of what are serious environmental crimes.

We are also wondering what remedial actions are being taken to clean up the river so that the toxic chemicals and fumes from the waste dumping are prevented from affecting the health and environment of people in the surroundings, including the schools.

More clarity and action from the authorities is needed, as this is a major disaster that must not be repeated.

Apart from school students, residents of Taman Pasir Putih and Kota Masai nearby Sungai Kim Kim also felt that their health has been affected and are worried about the pollution.

Hence, SAM calls for a thorough investigation to be conducted by the State government and the DOE and other relevant departments to take action against those guilty of offences under the Environmental Quality Act 1974.

Press Statement, 13 March 2019