Health ministry denies responding late to Pasir Gudang crisis

KUALA LUMPUR, March 14 (Bernama) -- The Health Ministry today dismissed claims that it was late in going to the aid of the victims of the toxic chemical waste pollution in Pasir Gudang, Johor.

Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said the ministry staff started providing treatment to the victims on the first day of the crisis on March 7.

“The ministry responded on the first day itself. I contacted the State Health Department on the first day (of the crisis) to organise collective action.

“The issue of the ministry being late (to respond) is not true at all. We always attend to our patients,” he told reporters at the lobby of Parliament House.

Dr Dzulkefly also dismissed speculation that people had died from the pollution.

“The patients in intensive care are also in stable condition. There is no immediate danger. We are confident of managing them well and it (the situation) will not reach the stage of death.

“We have also increased the number of beds to accommodate the patients and are prepared to add on more if necessary,” he said.

-- BERNAMA