Odor pollution under control, no hospital admissions, said Dzulkefly

KUALA LUMPUR: The odor pollution incident in the Sungai Pandan area on Tuesday is under control and has not resulted in any hospital admissions.

According to Berita Harian, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr. Dzulkefly Ahmad stated that, to date, the odor pollution has only caused symptoms such as irritation, coughing, dizziness, or nausea.

He added that the situation is still under control and no more stringent health measures are needed beyond the ongoing monitoring efforts.

“Currently, everything is under control, and the levels of ammonia gas detected have returned to baseline levels.

“There have been no reported cases of students being admitted to the hospital. According to reports, only irritation and coughing have been experienced,” he said after attending the Clean Premises, Smoke-Free (BeBAs) Friendly Inspection Program on Jalan Dhoby last night.

Also present were Ling Tian Soon, Chairman of the State Health and Environment Committee, and Dr. Mohtar Pungut @ Ahmad, Director of Health for Johor.

Meanwhile, Tian Soon mentioned that ammonia gas was detected when air samples were taken the day before and yesterday. A new location with packages hinting at the source of the odor pollution was discovered.

“Firefighters and the Department of Environment (JAS) have been on-site, collecting samples of water, soil, and waste for testing.

“Let’s wait for a more detailed report on the substances involved,” he said.

Last Tuesday, a strong odor pollution occurred in three areas: Taman Daya, Taman Mount Austin, and Taman Istimewa, causing headaches.

The day before, JAS Johor detected high levels of ammonia gas exceeding normal levels in the Sungai Pandan area of Kampung Melayu Pandan, leading to the odor pollution.