Delay in charging Johor toxic waste dumping suspect to strengthen case, says Dr M

Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad being briefed by Johor Health director Dr Selahuddeen Abd Aziz (in black coat) as he makes his way to visit the victims of the chemical pollution at the Sultan Ismail Hospital.

PASIR GUDANG: Dr Mahathir Mohamad today defended the delay in charging a factory owner said to be responsible for dumping chemical waste into Sungai Kim Kim, which led to nearly 1,000 people requiring medical treatment, saying there was a need to build a strong case.

“We cannot simply prosecute. We know how to handle this,” the prime minister said after visiting patients warded at the Sultan Ismail Hospital in Johor Baru.

Earlier today it was reported that there would be a delay in bringing charges against the suspect, despite the investigation papers having been sent to the Deputy Public Prosecutor’s Office.

Johor Health, Environment and Agriculture Committee chairman Dr Sahruddin Jamal said there was a request for the Department of Environment (DOE) to add more information to complete the investigation papers.

More to come - FMT