ISKANDAR PUTERI: The installation of 25 automatic gas detectors in the Pasir Gudang area will be completed by the end of the month and are expected to be fully operational by the second quarter of next year.
Energy, Science, Technology, Environment and Climate Change Minister Yeo Bee Yin said the detectors, called Photo-Ionised Detectors (PID), are being installed to create a real-time alert system which would enable enforcement action to be taken quickly.
"The detectors, which cost RM2.52 million to install, would be able to detect the total volatile organic compound in the air. Once the installation is completed, they will undergo a baseline calibration process for three months before they become fully operational," said Yeo.
She said the Department of Environment’s (DoE) machinery has also been strengthened with the procurement of additional equipment, including a Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GCMS), which cost RM1.1 million; a Gas Chromatography with Flame Ionisation Detector, which cost RM1.2 million; as well as six mobile toxic gas measurement machines, costing RM2.34 million.
This is one of seven measures the government has taken to improve environmental quality control in Pasir Gudang following gas pollution incidents earlier this year.
Yeo said another measure taken has seen the DoE collaborating with academicians, technical departments, agencies and industries to conduct a Loading Analysis and Carrying Capacity study in Pasir Gudang.
"The study has been presented to the relevant ministries and agencies in a meeting chaired by my deputy (Isnaraissah Munirah Majilis) on Oct 17. It has also been presented to the state government," said Yeo.
She said the study was conducted to provide information regarding the pollution scenario in Pasir Gudang through a mathematical modelling and simulation analysis, to provide long-term proposals to improve the overall situation in the Pasir Gudang industrial area and to propose an implementation plan for a safety buffer zone in the area.
"The implementation of these proposals will be monitored through a periodical meeting which will be chaired by the Deputy Prime Minister at the federal level and the Menteri Besar at the state level. The meeting will be held at least once every quarter."
Yeo was speaking to the media after a meeting to present the results of the study to the state government. Also present were Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Dr Sahruddin Jamal and Isnaraissah.
She said the study is not only about gas pollution incidents but also about the air, soil and water conditions in the area.
"The study also found that some schools in the area have a higher risk of being affected by such pollution. We have submitted a list of the schools to the Johor Education Department so that the necessary measures can be taken to prevent such incidents in the future.
"The study also includes the polluted rivers in the area, what are the source of the pollution and the steps that the state government can take to overcome the problem. These follow-up steps will be implemented by the relevant departments and agencies," said Yeo.
She also said that the study showed that the second gas pollution incident in May was caused by a combination of different releases and emissions.
"It is unlike the Sungai Kim Kim incident in March (for which) four suspects have been charged in court and the case is expected to continue on Dec 3."
Yeo said it will take time for these measures to show any effect.
"As we all know, this is a longstanding issue in Pasir Gudang and we are doing our best to reduce the pollution in the area as quickly as possible. We are committed to doing this," said Yeo.
Asked if the measures are too little too late for the residents of Pasir Gudang, Yeo said that should not be an excuse.
"We must do something, because we care for the people there. Maybe in the process, there will be a lot of challenges, but it is the responsibility of the government to do whatever it can from now until the situation recovers," said Yeo.