Experts clean up the river (Photo: bernama.com)Hanoi (VNA) – Nearly 2,400 peoplein Pasir Gudang, an industrial town in the southern Johor state of Malaysia,have fallen ill due to chemical poisoning, with many people in criticalcondition.
About 200 schools and kindergartens in thetown have been closed after a lorry dumped toxic waste in a local river lastweek.
The number of those needing medicaltreatment has been rising. On March 15, the figure reached 2,355, including 113still in hospital.
Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad visited victimsin hospital the previous day and urged competent agencies to promptly handleconsequence of the incident.
The Malaysian military has been deployedalong with hazardous waste experts to respond to the emergency and clean up theriver.
Local media have reported the waste was atype of oil used to lubricate ship's engines which emitted methane and benzenefumes. Up to 40 tonnes of the toxic substance is believed to have been tippedinto the river.
Three men have been arrested over thedumping of the waste and face up to five years in jail if convicted of breakingenvironmental protection laws. -VNA
About 200 schools and kindergartens in thetown have been closed after a lorry dumped toxic waste in a local river lastweek.
The number of those needing medicaltreatment has been rising. On March 15, the figure reached 2,355, including 113still in hospital.
Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad visited victimsin hospital the previous day and urged competent agencies to promptly handleconsequence of the incident.
The Malaysian military has been deployedalong with hazardous waste experts to respond to the emergency and clean up theriver.
Local media have reported the waste was atype of oil used to lubricate ship's engines which emitted methane and benzenefumes. Up to 40 tonnes of the toxic substance is believed to have been tippedinto the river.
Three men have been arrested over thedumping of the waste and face up to five years in jail if convicted of breakingenvironmental protection laws. -VNA
VNA
