A new site believed to be a chemical waste dumping ground was found along the Johor Bahru-bound Pasir Gudang Highway, near Sungai Masai.

A Bernama survey saw waste disposal works being carried out by heavy machinery. Several workers wearing protective equipment and clothing were also present at the scene.

Over 10 blue barrels were stacked by the roadside along the highway.

Photographs of workers wearing PPE have gone viral on social media since yesterday evening, raising new concerns among residents following the dumping of toxic chemical wastes into Sungai Kim Kim on March 7.

The new site is about 18km to 20km from the pollution-hit location.

DOE to investigate

Earlier, Johor Mentri Besar Osman Sapian instructed the Environment Department to investigate several alleged cases of dumping of chemical waste in the Masai area.

“Until a complete report is obtained from DOE, the area should be entirely closed for the clean-up and investigation to be carried out.

“If it’s true that irresponsible people have dumped effluents illegally, strict action will be taken against them,” he said in a statement yesterday.

Osman vowed that he will never allow a repeat of the chemical waste disaster and that people’s lives and safety cannot be gambled with.

“I urge the people to keep away from the area and abide by the safety regulations,” he said.

Yesterday, residents of Taman Tanjung Puteri Resort expressed fear and concern after several blue barrels, believed to be for use as containers of chemical effluents, were found near Sungai Sembilang, about 2km from Sungai Kim Kim.

The site is about 500m from SMK Tanjung Puteri Resort, one of the schools affected by the Sungai Kim Kim pollution.

Energy, Science, Technology, Environment and Climate Change Minister Yeo Bee Yin is expected to hold a press conference at the first chemical waste dumpsite near SK Taman Pasir Putih this evening.

- Bernama