The government will not approve any more applications for the construction of new chemical plants in Pasir Gudang to ensure a more sustainable development in the area, Energy, Science, Technology, Environment and Climatic Change Minister Yeo Bee Yin (photo, above) said.
She said the matter has also been discussed with the state government.
There are currently 2,005 factories in Pasir Gudang, with 250 of these being chemical plants, Yeo told reporters last night, after a town hall session with industry players at Menara Aqabah of the Pasir Gudang Municipal Council in Johor Bahru.
Yeo said today’s townhall session was held to obtain feedback from industry players on immediate measures to be taken to address pollution problem in Pasir Gudang.
Following discussions, the industry players agreed to adopt the affected schools and provide them with gas detectors, she said.
“We will also ensure the Department of Environment will make it mandatory for factories to provide gas detectors,’ she added.
Plan for automated pollutant monitoring system
Yeo said the ministry would table to the cabinet a paper on the installation of an automated pollutant monitoring system in Pasir Gudang this Friday to obtain the allocation for the purpose.
The industry players, she said, were also requested to provide the necessary data on their release of water into the air and river to facilitate the ministry to carry out loading capacity analysis on industrial areas in Pasir Gudang.
“The loading capacity analysis will take four to six weeks. After that, we may impose stricter conditions for industries in Pasir Gudang,” she added.
Yeo said three factories in Pasir Gudang had ceased operations since last Thursday, following an incident where students and others in the area experienced breathing difficulties.
She said four students from four schools were referred to hospital yesterday after they complained of breathing difficulties and dizziness, but none of then were warded.
The schools included Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Tanjung Puteri, Sekolah Kebangsaan Seri Kota Puteri and SK Seri Alam.
- Bernama
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