On Monday, 9th September 2024, the residents of Johor Bahru (JB) awoke to a nauseating smell hanging heavy in the air. As reported by local MP, Jimmy Puah, the intolerable stench compelled some people to vomit. Believed to be the result of dangerous chemical discharge into a nearby river, the incident has prompted closures of schools, affecting several regions across JB.
The grave nature of the situation is being dealt with by local authorities. Given the extensive damage this incident could invoke on public health and the local environment, swift, stern action against the culprits is expected. The incident underscores the chronic issue of inappropriate and hazardous waste management.
The smell was first reported in two villages in the Tebrau district in JB according to MP Jimmy Puah’s Facebook post. Following the dreadful discovery, he contacted emergency services for help and along with the fire department, police, and village chiefs, inspected the affected areas. On his urging, the Education Minister ordered immediate closure of schools within the vicinity as a safety measure for students and teachers.
MP Puah was not alone in receiving reports of the stench. Marina Ibrahim, a member of the Johor State Legislative Assembly for Skudai, was informed of a foul smell plaguing Skudai, with a local resident reporting symptoms of headache, sore throat, and vomiting. Conversely, in the suburb of Bandar Dato Onn and villages Kampung Maju Jaya and Kampung Tawakkal, residents were advised to remain calm, seek medical aid for symptoms such as vomiting or coughing, and take preventative measures like wearing face masks, as per State Legislative Member, Amira Aisya Abd Aziz.
Furthermore, the issue has been referred to Ling Tian Soon, the chairman of the Johor State Health and Environment Committee. Ling, also known as “Ah Soon”, condemned the irresponsible parties opting for such harmful waste disposal methods. He urged law enforcement agencies to severely punish those causing environmental harm and ecological destruction.
This isn’t the first occurrence of a foul smell reported in the area, however. Strikingly, on 3rd September, a chemical stench was detected in three housing estates, necessitating emergency dispatch of a Hazardous Material unit. It’s apparent that the issue of hazardous waste management calls for a sustainable, lasting solution to avoid endangering public health and the environment.
