JOHOR BARU: Police are hunting for a Singaporean suspect in his 30s to assist its probe into toxic pollution of Sungai Kim Kim, Pasir Gudang, this month.
Johor police chief Datuk Mohd Khalil Kader Mohd said state police would be working with their Singapore counterparts to track down the man.
He said the man, a businessman, was believed to be one of the owners of a factory which was involved in dumping toxic waste into the river.
“We are tracking down the man and will be conducting further investigation in this case.
“We understand that three men, including a Singaporean, were charged in court today, “ he told a press conference at the state police contingent headquarters here on Sunday.
Mohd Khalil said the three charged in court were among 11 suspects, including the factory operators, as well as workers who carried out the dumping activities.
He said the seven suspects who were previously detained have since been released.
“This shows that there has been a development in the case. We hope that the people, especially netizens, will give us room to conduct our investigation.
“We cannot make any arrest unless there is clear evidence.
“However, it has not stopped some netizens from hurling accusations towards the police who have been accused of putting on a masquerade when we have in fact been working tirelessly for the sake of the people and the country,” he said.