Keep gas detectors in risky schools, says Johor official

State executive councillor Aminolhuda Hassan. (Bernama pic)

JOHOR BAHRU: The Johor state government hopes that the equipment used to detect volatile organic compounds in the air will continue to be placed at schools at risk in Pasir Gudang, said executive councillor Aminolhuda Hassan.

He said priority for the placement of the gas detectors, on loan from the Department of Environment (DoE), should be given to the 10 schools located near the industrial area to enable the teachers to monitor the current condition of the air, thus preparing them for any eventuality.

“I hope that this can be fulfilled by the DoE or with the help of the factories in Pasir Gudang for the safety of the children in school,” he told reporters after visiting Sekolah Kebangsaan Taman Bukit Dahlia here today.

He, however, did not list the 10 schools.

Today is the last day for the placement of the gas detector equipment loaned to the 111 schools in Pasir Gudang since June 20, following incidents of breathing difficulty and vomiting believed to be due to air pollution.

On the visit, Aminolhuda said he found that the air quality reading at the school had been at the normal level over the past week and the school session continued as usual on the ground floor of the school building. - FMT