We acted swiftly - minister denies dragging feet on pollution incident

The Health Ministry has denied allegations that it was slow to act in the chemical pollution incident in Pasir Gudang, Johor.

According to Health Minister Dzulkefly Ahmad, his officers were present at ground zero since the first day of the incident.

"I contacted the state health department (JKN) on the first day and (they) have treated every case, be it mild or serious.

"There were (victims) who we admitted for observation, so claims that the ministry acted late is completely untrue," he told reporters at the Parliament lobby today.

Dzulkefly further denied claims that there have been fatalities in the case.

At least 947 people are being treated for exposure to toxic fumes, with 12 of the victims having been admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of Hospital Sultan Ismail in Johor.

Dzulkefly said all victims are in stable condition.

He also confirmed that 19 ministry workers, including a medical specialist, have been affected by the toxic fumes.

"Up to yesterday, 19 of our staff have been affected. They are humans too, they are not invincible," he added.

The minister cautioned the public to steer clear of a five-kilometre radius area from the contaminated Sungai Kim Kim.

"They should keep abreast of the updates on the case via official channels, and immediately seek medical help if they experience burning in the eyes, vomiting, difficulty in breathing or blackout," he added.

All schools in Pasir Gudang have been closed as a result of the incident.

The Dewan Rakyat has approved an emergency motion for the federal government to declare a state of emergency in Pasir Gudang. - Mkini