RESIDENTS of Sg Kim Kim have started legal action over the toxic waste still in Pasir Gudang, Johor, after meeting with representatives from Lawyers for Liberty over the weekend.

The affected families of the disaster, which had caused some 6,000 residents to seek treatment, are seeking medical assistance and compensation for their children who fell ill at the height of the incident.

The residents also want to send a strong message to all companies and factories in the vicinity and bring those responsible for the disaster to book.

Toxic waste was dumped into the river which runs some 500m from their homes early last month.

Taman Pasir Putih action committee member Sujatha Ettickan said the residents have collectively agreed for LFL to take the case, but will confirm their decision this weekend.

“We are seeking legal representation for about 99 victims, comprising adults and children who were affected,” Sujatha told The Malaysian Insight.

“And we have generally agreed that LFL will take up our case. There will be a second meeting this weekend.”

Sujatha said the lawyers have agreed to take up their fight, adding that the case will take between six months and a year in court.

In the meeting, residents also raised the issue of cost, which will be discussed further.

“We were told to compile the police reports, which have now come up to more than 200.

“We are now getting the individual police reports and once those have been compiled, the lawyers will file the suit,” she said.

LFL founder Latheefa Koya confirmed she met with the residents at a three-hour briefing on Saturday but declined to elaborate.

The illegal dumping of chemicals in the river caused nearly 6,000 people, mostly pupils, to fall sick. They were treated for inhalation of toxic fumes.

The Department of Environment said 20 tonnes of chemical waste could have been dumped into the river that triggered the environmental and public health crisis.

A total of 111 schools in Pasir Gudang were ordered closed after schoolchildren starting falling ill. The schools have reopened after the term holidays on April 1.

Meanwhile, it was reported yesterday that Johor police are seeking the help of Interpol to track down a Singaporean in connection with the chemical waste pollution in Sg Kim Kim.

Authorities have to date questioned 11 people over the incident. Two used tyre-processing company directors and a lorry driver were charged last month. – April 18, 2019.