PASIR GUDANG: The small quantity of hydrogen cyanide found in Sungai Kim Kim does not pose a threat to the public.
Johor Fire and Rescue Department director Yahaya Madis said it would only be dangerous if there was prolonged exposure.
“The concentration of hydrogen cyanide is at a safe level of 3ppm (parts per million) and below.
“The highest recorded reading was 4.5ppm on March 13 at Taman Tanjung Puteri Resort,” Yahaya said, adding that the reading returned to normal two hours later.
The state Health Department has refused to divulge the type of toxins found in the bodies of people affected by chemical pollution of the river, as it involves patient confidentiality.
Energy, Science, Technology, Environment and Climate Change Minister Yeo Bee Yin said: “The 1.5km stretch of Sungai Kim Kim that was polluted has already been cleaned up.
“We will start monitoring the area and see if any further action is needed.”
She said 30 teams of state environment and chemistry personnel had been deployed to the area to monitor air quality.
The public is advised to stay away from the area and to wear protective gear if they have to be in the vicinity.
Yeo has authorised Pusat Kawalan Operasi Bencana Sungai Kim Kim (PKOB) to be the official source of information for the media and the public to minimise the spread of fake news.
Enquiries may be directed to PKOB at 07-2522143 and 072532143.