MALAYSIA -- the driver was headed for Sungai Kim Kim and its was traversing alongside the river that snakes through the industrial town Pasir Gudang, Johor State. But what happened next has put the entire town in a vulnerable situation.
"Based on the initial investigation conducted by the authorities, about 20 to 40 tons of toxic waste was dumped into several parts of the river," said Mohammad Ezzani Mat Salleh, a member of the local environmental ministry.
Mr. Ezzani and his team of researchers discovered a huge amount of toxic oil in the waters flowing in the river. This type of chemical is usually used to power marine engine compressors.
The rescue officials have called the fire authorities to help identify the presence of hazardous chemicals that could start a fire. The team has identified the presence of at least 15 different types of chemicals. The list includes hydrogen cyanide -- a colorless and odorless chemical that could pose a real danger not only to the creatures in the river but to human life as well.
Direct exposure to such type of chemicals can be extremely harmful. Sadly, the effects of such are not only hazardous but are considered deadly.
Only a day after the discovery was made, several teachers and students were brought to the hospital after experiencing difficulty in breathing in toxic gases. Immediately, the authorities ordered for the closure of the two schools near the dump site.
On March 8, authorities in their protective suits were called in to conduct further investigation. They wanted to look into the severity of the situation and the extent of its damages. However, despite the speed in action, the number of victims have spiraled rapidly causing an alarm to the community. Within just seven days, the number of victims has increased to more than 2,700 people. All of them were reported to have felt sick and fallen ill in a span of hours after exposure.
The health of the victims is currently being monitored to ensure that their bodies don't suffer from any more damage than it already has. As of March 20 update, only two patients remain in the Intensive Care Unit while the rest is in regular rooms, still being monitored closely.
This is dangerous, not only to the community affected but to the environment in general. The presence of toxic waste should be a clear indication that the laws governing proper disposal of waste are not being followed. This should serve as a wake-up call to the authorities. Something needs to be done and someone has to pay the price.
The community affected used to feel safe in their own homes. Now, they are in a vulnerable state and don't know what they have done wrong.
