ALL schools in Pasir Gudang have been ordered to shut down until Thursday and more than 300 schoolchildren have so far sought treatment for breathing difficulties and vomiting.

The nightmare scenario of more than three months ago is back again and Pasir Gudang residents are asking: “how can this be happening again?”

The latest toxic fumes pollution first hit Taman Mawar last week, some 7.5km from the Sg Kim Kim, where the first incident was recorded in March.

In the Sg Kim Kim incident, a Singaporean and two Malaysians were charged with dumping toxic chemicals into a nearby river, which made more than 5,000 residents sick.

This time, state authorities are checking 30 factories in the area, from a total of 265. They believe some of these factories could be responsible for emitting toxic fumes.

Johor Menteri Besar Dr Sahruddin Jamal said the toxin which made the pupils in Pasir Gudang ill will be known in two days with the authorities conducting checks in a 15km radius.

Sharuddin said all schools in Pasir Gudang have been ordered closed until Thursday.

While the authorities are scampering for answers, parents are fearful for the safety of their children who have fallen sick.

Siti Mariam Siam said she and her children were exposed to smells that she described as burnt iron for the last three days.

“The smell was putrid and it had affected my nine-year-old son and six-year-old daughter.

“He vomited about five times and my daughter experienced headaches,” the 34-year-old Mariam told The Malaysian Insight at the Pasir Gudang stadium which has been turned into a temporary medical centre.

The SMK Bandar Seri Alam teacher also said she was worried about the condition of the children at her school.

“A few fell sick and even the children at my son’s school had to receive treatment. We hope the authorities can answer why this is happening again.”

Siti Mariam, who lives 2km from Sg Kim Kim, blames the factories for the fumes.

“I don’t think the river is fully cleaned of the toxic waste. It will take time to recover and it could still be polluted,” she said.

Another parent Nurul Amira, 30, said she is worried about the situation now.

“No one knows exactly what is happening and what is the cause of the pollution.

“We know the last time it was toxic waste that was dumped. But what is it now?”

Nurul, who brought her 10-year-old son for treatment at the stadium, said this is the first time her child experienced such symptoms.

“He was in school when he experienced breathing difficulties and dizziness.

“We were then informed by the teacher to take him for medical check-up.

“We don’t know if there is a recurrence as his school is located 2km from Sg Kim Kim.”

Her other children, a 11-year-old son and a baby, were not affected.

“I’m not going to let my children leave the house until this issue is solved. I’m also worried about my baby.

“The other parents are also worried and keeping their children at home for their safety.” – June 25, 2019.