Fifty people, including four firemen, have been sent for treatment to following a gas leak in Kampung Tambak Paya until 5am today.

Malacca disaster management committee secretariat head Lt.Col (PA) Efffendy Ali, in a statement today, said 32 of them, including the firemen, were sent to Malacca Hospital, while the remaining 18 people to Jasin Hospital.

“Preliminary investigations found that the incident was caused by a leaked drum containing chlorine gas and polluted the air surrounding a one kilometre radius.

“The rescue team also found 10 drums at a farm at 6 pm,” he said.

Effendy, who is Malacca Malaysian Civil Defence Force director, said a relief centre had been opened at 5 pm yesterday to accommodate those who had been advised to vacate their homes.

“A total of 79 people from 25 families have been placed at the centre,” he said.

He said the Department of Environment and the Fire and Rescue department had declared the area safe at 4.30 am today.

CM wants probe

Malacca Chief Minister Idris Haron meanwhile wants investigation to be conducted to determine the quarters responsible for the poison gas leak.

He said the investigation should include determining the owner of the seven chlorine gas drums which were found to have been dumped at a farm in the village so that appropriate action could be taken.

All quarters, including the Department of Environment, Chemical Department and the Malacca Historical City Council should use all legal provisions to bring those responsible to court, he told reporters after visiting the scene last night.

Meanwhile, today forty people affected by the gas leak are still in hospital, but they are all reported to be in stable condition.

Melaka Tengah district police chief ACP Afzanizar Ahmad said 35 of them were at Malacca Hospital and five others at Jasin Hospital.

“Most of the victims have been allowed to return home today and the police operation room, which was opened following the incident, is expected to be closed this afternoon,” he told Bernama.

Preliminary investigations found that the incident was caused by a leaked drum containing chlorine gas, which polluted the air surrounding a one kilometre radius.

Afzanizar said police was investigating the case.

The Department of Environment and the Fire and Rescue department have declared the area safe at 4.30 am today.

- Bernama