“We cannot simply prosecute. We know how to handle this,” the prime minister said after visiting victims warded at the Sultan Ismail Hospital in Johor Baru.
Earlier today it was reported that there would be a delay in bringing charges against the suspect, despite the investigation papers having been sent to the Deputy Public Prosecutor’s Office.
Johor Health, Environment and Agriculture Committee chairman Dr Sahruddin Jamal said there was a request for the Department of Environment (DOE) to add more information to complete the investigation papers.
Mahathir said that efforts were underway to find all the parties responsible for polluting Sungai Kim Kim.
The prime minister, who was in Pasir Gudang and Johor Bahru so that he could meet with the victims of the chemical pollution, said he was briefed by several parties responding to the crisis and was pleased with their work.
He described the case as being unprecedented.
“This is extraordinary because it involves poisonous gases and all cells in the body being poisoned. This would lead to the cells not being able to absorb oxygen,” he said.
He praised the fire department, police, hospital staff and school staff for their good work, and the doctors at the Sultan Ismail Hospital for “knowing how to tackle the toxic pollution”.
“I see that the way they are treating the patients is very good and almost all have recovered.
“I am confident in our ability to treat those affected by the poisonous gases,” he said.
Saying that the situation was under control, Mahathir reiterated the government’s stance that there was no need to declare an emergency.
“We have not reached that point yet, there is no need … we have to be careful,” he said.
Earlier today, Parliament was told that the government would not declare an emergency in Pasir Gudang as the Johor government had not requested for it.
This after an emergency motion was tabled in the house.
No deaths have been reported but 12 victims are being treated at intensive care units. They are in stable condition.
The chemicals dumped in Sungai Kim Kim are believed to be scheduled waste needing proper disposal because of their hazardous nature.
The owner of a chemical factory in Kulai was arrested on Sunday in a joint operation mounted by the Department of Environment and the police.