Sungai Kim Kim Pollution: Residents claim to still smell gas

PASIR GUDANG: The pollution incident in Sungai Kim Kim near Pasir Gudang, Johor is almost entering its second year.

However, the incident which was first detected on March 7, 2019 has now recurred and the surrounding residents claimed that they can still experience the suffocating smell of gas

Astro AWANI met with some residents in a nearby residential area and surveyed in the river range.

It was found that the water level in the river was shallower than when the Sungai Kim Kim pollution incident occurred previously.

A resident who was met by Astro AWANI said that the cleanliness along Sungai Kim Kim was still doubted by the residents.

Mohd Asraf Abdul Halim admitted that he was affected by the smell of the gas, but was upset because no immediate action was taken by the authorities even though the resident community had lodged a complaint.

"The smell… I'm not sure because the smell varies. Sometimes it smells like when the factory releases gas during the the rainy season.

"Now it's the rainy season, in the morning it rarely smells, but usually at night, it definitely smells.

"I have a small child, so it is very worrying as we fear it will affect our health and disrupt our daily lives.

"At night, when we open the sliding door, an unpleasant smell enters the house," he said.

Meanwhile, Astro AWANI managed to meet the family of Norlela Abu Hashim, the mother of the victim of the Sungai Kim Kim pollution, Irfan Wafiy Idham Wazir.

Irfan, who was previously normal, has been confirmed positive for Myokymia, causing his leg nerves to weaken due to the river pollution.

Norlela said the effect of the smell of gas can sometimes be traumatic, and she would not allow Irfan to come out as he pleases.

"Some may say that Irfan's sickness is only minor but the ones who are in pain are not them but Irfan whose legs are affected.

"Indeed, Irfan looks like a strong child. He once told me: 'Cut off my leg, I do not want this leg anymore because it makes Mama sad'.

"I told him: 'No, mama is not sad because Irfan is here. Mama has to be strong. Mama is strong for you and you have to be strong for mama.

'You must be strong and show that you are smart, prove it to others'," she said.

Irfan, 14, a student of MARA Science Junior College, Johor Bahru, however, expressed his gratitude for the support from friends.

"It's been about a year or so. From the outside I look in good condition but my sickness has no cure.

"I want to feel sorry but it is useless and there is no way to console me.

"So, I just play with my friends and siblings so that I can divert attention from that bad feeling," he revealed.

The toxic pollution in Sungai Kim Kim that occurred on March 7 last year has affected 4,000 residents including students to the extent that 111 schools were ordered closed at that time.