This was a drop from 491 yesterday.

Mercy Malaysia clinical psychologist Dr Azlina Roszy Mohd Gaffar said 70-90% of cases of people receiving treatment at the Pasir Gudang Municipal Council Stadium medic base here were due to panic following numerous rumours and untruths spread on the toxic waste pollution in the river last week.

She said, based on monitoring and observations up to yesterday, it was found that most of the cases referred there were related to panic.

“They were anxious and worried because they did not know what to do and they actually panicked.

“So, when they panic, they have symptoms such as hyperventilation or shortness of breath, which is often compounded by problems they already have,” she told reporters at the stadium here.

In addition, Azlina said air pollution also impacted badly on those who had asthma and heart problems, and panic would also worsen their condition.

“If not alleviated, we will admit them and they will be treated in accordance with the stipulated procedures.

“However, after about 30 minutes or an hour, many of these victims will actually feel better.”

She said panic could also result in some people getting rashes, an itch or a headache.

Johor Health, Environment and Agriculture Committee chairman Dr Sahruddin Jamal said eight patients were still in the intensive care unit (ICU) and reported to be in stable condition.

In a statement, he said 4,035 people had sought treatment as at 3pm yesterday as a result of the toxic fumes.

Sahruddin said work was in progress to clean up the river. The contractors are being supervised by the Department of Environment.

He said the clean-up was being carried out round the clock in three shifts.

Sahruddin urged members of the public not to go near the site of the cleaning work.

Meanwhile, the air quality over Pasir Gudang has been deemed to be safe for now.

Johor Fire and Rescue Department director Yahaya Madis said that based on the samplings done today, there were no readings over the danger level of three parts per million (ppm) for hazardous gases.

“Even though the situation is safe, the public is advised to continue using face masks as a precaution.

“We fear there may be a fresh release of toxic gases while the cleaning-up work is being carried out at the river where toxic waste was dumped.”

He said precautions were still necessary due to detection of hydrogen cyanide at above 4.5 ppm at a house in Tanjung Puteri on March 15.

However, he said the dangerous gas dissipated quickly.