JOHOR BARU, Sept 10 — Police have arrested a lorry driver and his attendant for allegedly being involved in the illegal dumping of chemical waste, which led to pollution in the district.
Johor Baru South police chief Assistant Commissioner Raub Selamat said that the two local men, aged 23 and 28, were arrested at 11pm last night.
“The suspects were detained and later arrested in an apartment here,” Raub said in a statement today.
“Both suspects have been remanded for seven days starting today to assist investigators.”
The latest arrests follow a demand by Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi for authorities to determine the cause of the foul-smelling chemical fumes affecting parts of the district yesterday.
Raub noted that checks on the two suspects revealed they did not have any prior criminal records. He added that both suspects also tested negative for narcotics abuse.
“However, the two suspects were previously detained for the illegal dumping of chemicals in Sungai Linggiu near Kampung Orang Asli Pasir Intan in Kota Tinggi on September 4,” he said.
Raub explained that investigators have classified the case under Section 430 of the Penal Code for knowingly causing damage by discharging effluents into public water supplies or air.
“Those convicted may face up to 30 years in prison and a fine,” he said.
Last week, it was reported that several areas in the Johor Baru district were affected by a foul-smelling chemical odour believed to be from river pollution. The odour had caused several residents to feel nauseous, dizzy, and experience breathing difficulties.
Yesterday, a similar incident occurred in the Skudai and Kempas areas of the district, where several residents reported a chemical smell coming from Sungai Skudai.
This prompted Onn Hafiz to make a surprise visit and demand action against those responsible for the pollution.
