Proactive steps needed to address Pasir Gudang pollution - Lee Lam Thye

KUALA LUMPUR, June 26 (Bernama) -- All parties must work together and take proactive steps to trace the source of air pollution in Pasir Gudang, said National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye.

Priority should be given to ensure the safety of the communities around Pasir Gudang and the surrounding industrial areas did not pose any threat to the environment.

“People want to see the Department of Environment and relevant government agencies taking the necessary proactive steps to ensure public safety.

“What we need now is proactive steps rather than reactive to prevent another incident in the futuere,” he said in a statement here today.

He was commenting on the pollution case in Pasir Gudang which caused scores of students and residents to suffer breathing difficulties and vomiting since last Thursday.

Lee said the authorities should take firm action against those responsible for polluting the environment that posed threat to public health.

Meanwhile, NIOSH was ready to provide any assistance via its headquarters in Bandar Baru Bangi here that have the facilities and expertise in monitoring chemical pollution.

-- BERNAMA