PORT DICKSON: A total of 42 pupils from SK Linggi here were treated for chemical poisoning after inhaling what is believed to be poisonous chemical substance from insecticides.
The students, aged between seven and 12, consist of 12 males and 30 females.
Of the total, 24 were referred to the Linggi Health clinic and Port Dickson Hospital for further treatment after they suffered breathing difficulties, vomiting and dizziness.
Jusman Roman of Seremban 2 Fire and Rescue Department operation centre said a team of 16 firemen from the station, Teluk Kemang and Port Dickson were rushed to the scene as soon as the department received the emergency call at 2.13pm.
“As soon as we arrived, the department’s hazardous material (Hazmat) unit immediately evacuated the affected area and cleaning works were conducted to decontaminate possible poisonous substance.
“The affected students were then given a shower to remove any poisonous substance on them. They were given immediate medical treatment with some sent to hospital for further treatment,” he said.
He added that based on preliminary investigation, the students had experienced drowsiness, vomiting, coughing, and shortness of breath.
He said the insecticide was believed to contain ‘malathion’, a toxic gas which was extremely harmful to people.
“There are agricultural activities conducted in the nearby areas located about 200 meters from the school and insecticides were sprayed at about 10am today.
“We believe that the insecticides were blown to the school area and the students had inhaled the contaminated air,” he said when met by reporters at the scene here today.
He said the firemen continued to stabilise the situation by conducting pollution detection works. However, no hazardous gas reading was detected.
“Further action will be handed over to the hospital to ensure that all victims are safe from any pollution affects,” he said.
Meanwhile, in a statement issued today, Port Dickson district police chief, Superintendent Aidi Sham Mohamed said the affected students had been given treatment and no serious health problems involving the students were recorded.
He added that the owner of the farm had also informed that the poison used was recommended by the Department of Agriculture and purchased at Port Dickson Farmers Office.