Lorry driver, assistant nabbed over JB odour pollution incident

JOHOR BAHRU – Two men have been arrested in Malaysia for suspected involvement in the chemical odour pollution that affected Johor Bahru recently.

Johor Bahru South police chief Raub Selamat said the suspects were arrested at 11pm on Sept 9.

“We were able to track down and arrest a lorry driver and his assistant, aged 23 and 28 years, for allegedly being involved in the odour pollution incident here.

“They were arrested at an apartment. Both of them have no records and also tested negative for drugs,” he added on Sept 10.

Mr Raub added that both men were also suspected of being involved in a similar case at Sungai Linggiu in Kota Tinggi district recently.

The location is about 70km from Johor Bahru, the state capital of Johor.

Mr Raub said that the suspects were under remand for seven days until Sept 16 to assist with the investigation under Section 430 of the Penal Code for committing mischief that affected the water supply.

Residents at several locations in Johor Bahru have

reported a strong chemical odour

believed to be caused by pollution, with at least 139 people feeling unwell.

“The patients all displayed symptoms of nausea and dizziness were treated and discharged (from hospitals),” a health ministry spokesperson told reporters on Sept 10.

Health Minister Dzulkefly Ahmad said the ministry were ready to help affected individuals of the odour pollution, which was under investigation by the Environment Department.

“The ministry will focus its efforts entirely to care for victims while other agencies investigate do their part to find the cause (of the odour),” he added.

Johor Menteri Besar Onn Hafiz Ghazi on Sept 9 instructed the police and related agencies to set up a special task force to deal with the pollution and take strict action against irresponsible parties.

He said he did not want to see a repeat of the issue, urging industries and the people to work together to take care of the environment. THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK