PUTRAJAYA: The Cabinet was briefed that the recent air pollution incident in Pasir Gudang had nothing to do with earlier pollution of Sungai Kim Kim.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail said this was the briefing provided by the Energy, Science, Technology, Environment and Climate Change Ministry, which said that after investigating all possible indicators, found no indication of any link between the two incidents.
Dr Wan Azizah said the relevant authorities had conducted tests on the victims’ urine and blood samples as part of the investigation.
She also noted that National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma) officers were currently in Pasir Gudang conducting investigations.
“The relevant authorities will continue their investigations to identify the source of the problem by collecting more samples from rivers and the surroundings near the schools,” she told reporters after a get-together with the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry target groups and staff here today.
Last week, more than 100 students from more than 30 schools in Pasir Gudang fell ill after allegedly being exposed to polluted air. The students had experienced nausea and dizziness and were rushed to hospital.
All learning institutions in the Pasir Gudang district were subsequently ordered to close for three days following the incident.
There were initial fears that the illnesses were linked to the severe toxic pollution of Sungai Kim Kim in March, which affected more than 6,000 residents.
Dr Wan Azizah also touched on the latest developments concerning the Bateq Orang Asli tribe in Kuala Koh, Gua Musang, who had been hit by a deadly measles outbreak.
She said reports indicated that the situation in Kampung Kuala Koh has returned to normal.
"I received reports that the Orang Asli (who were hospitalised) have recovered and resumed their regular activities,” she said, adding that water samples from the Bateq tribe settlement’s water supply showed no signs of foul play.
She said that despite proof that the water supply was not contaminated, there was still a pressing need to provide better quality and treated water to the community.
"We have asked the relevant ministries to look into this," she said.
The Bateq tribe of Kuala Koh were thrust into the spotlight recently when it emerged that a measles outbreak was the main cause of recent deaths within the community.
It was reported that out of the 113 reported cases of illnesses involving the Bateq tribe, 43 had tested positive for measles.