SUNGAI BULOH: At least 139 people have experienced some ill-effects after a strong chemical odour hit several districts around Johor Baru on early Monday (Sept 9), says the Health Ministry.
Fortunately, all 139 patients have since been discharged without any lingering symptoms after receiving treatment from nearby health facilities.
“The patients all displayed symptoms of nausea and dizziness were treated and discharged,” a ministry spokesperson told reporters after the 20th anniversary celebration of the Health Ministry’s training institute here on Tuesday (Sep 10).
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said they 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 said.
Previously on Sept 3, a strong chemical odour was detected around Taman Daya, Taman Mount Austin and Taman Istimewa, which spread to Kampung Melayu Pandan.
The Environment Department detected unusual levels of ammonia gas along Sungai Pandan which caused local residents to experience dizziness, nausea and vomiting.
Students from three schools in the district, namely SK Kampung Maju Jaya, Sekolah Rendah Islam Hidayah and Sekolah Menengah Islam Hidayah, also shifted to home-based teaching and learning after 27 pupils from SK Kampung Maju Jaya experienced dizziness and vomiting.
