MELAKA, 29 Sept 2017:
Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Idris Haron wants investigation to be conducted to determine the quarters responsible for the poison gas leak incident in Kampung Tambak Paya yesterday.
He said the investigation should include determining the owner of the seven chlorine gas drums which were found to have been dumped at a farm in the village so that appropriate action could be taken.
All quarters – including the Department of Environment, Chemical Department and the Melaka Historical City Council – should use all legal provisions to bring those responsible to court, he told reporters after visiting the scene last night.
Following the incident, 50 people, including four firemen, have been sent for treatment until 5am today.
Melaka Disaster Management Committee Secretariat head Lt.Col (PA) Efffendy Ali said in a statement 32 of them, including the firemen, were sent to Melaka Hospital, while the remaining 18 people to Jasin Hospital.
“Preliminary investigations found that the incident was caused by a leaked drum containing chlorine gas and polluted the air surrounding a one kilometre radius.
“The rescue team also found 10 drums at a farm at 6pm.”
Effendy, who is Melaka Malaysian Civil Defence Force director, said a relief centre had been opened at 5pm yesterday to accommodate those who had been advised to vacate their homes.
“A total of 79 people from 25 families have been placed at the centre.”
He said the Department of Environment and the Fire and Rescue department had declared the area safe at 4.30am today.
– Bernama