120 residents to sue authorities, factories over Sungai Kim Kim incident

JOHOR BARU: A group of Pasir Gudang residents affected by the Sungai Kim Kim chemical dumping incident will file a civil suit against the authorities and factories involved.

The group is claiming negligence and will name the state government, Department of Environment, Drainage and Irrigation Department, Pasir Gudang Municipal Council and the factories involved as defendants.

Counsel Kamarudin Ahmad, who is representing the group, said they were claiming damages as the incident caused them to suffer health issues.

“Due to the incident, residents suffered from symptoms like breathing difficulties and vomiting. One family claimed that their child suffered from nerve damage and could not walk. We are also worried about the long-term effects of the incident.”

He was speaking after accompanying several residents to lodge reports on the matter at the Seri Alam district police headquarters in Pasir Gudang here.

Kamarudin said there were about 120 residents in the group.

“We plan to file the suit in early June. By then, I expect the number (of residents) to increase because, at the moment, most of the affected residents do not know their rights or where to turn to for assistance.

“We are gathering information on the case, including the health reports of affected residents.”

He said he was told that another group of residents was planning to undertake a similar legal action.

The dumping of chemical substances into Sungai Kim Kim on March 7 led to 5,848 people seeking medical treatment after inhaling toxic fumes from the river.

The last victim was released from hospital on March 25.

Two directors of a used tyre processing factory were charged at the Sessions Court with 15 offences under two environmental regulations.