Johor Bahru City Council (MBJB) mayor Haffiz Ahmad said the substance had been seen flowing into a drainage system and is feared to be heading towards the Straits of Tebrau.

To prevent further environmental contamination, MBJB, with the help of multiple government agencies, has initiated immediate containment efforts.

“We are digging containment ponds at the site to block the flow of the liquid,” he said during a visit to the scene earlier today.

Meanwhile, the Johor environment department will install oil booms in the drains and nearby areas to contain the spread.

The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency and the marine department have also been deployed to the upper Straits of Tebrau to set up coastal booms to prevent the liquid from reaching open waters.

“The fastest containment step for now is to create these ponds on-site to stop the flow,” Haffiz said.

The environment department will also be collecting samples to determine the exact composition of the substance.