PARLIAMENT today will debate a motion on the declaration of a state of emergency following the chemical pollution in Johor’s Pasir Gudang.

Pasir Gudang MP Hassan Karim had moved for a motion to declare a state of emergency in his constituency, which was carried by Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Mohamad Hanipa Maidin.

Dewan Rakyat Speaker Mohamad Ariff Md Yusof said the house will debate the motion at 4.30pm today.

“The debate will take place at 4.30pm for one hour,” he said.

According to Mohamad Ariff, an emergency motion has to fulfil three criteria – public interest, specified condition and urgency.

“I have studied the matter and find this motion fulfils all three conditions, thus allowing it to be debated in Dewan Rakyat today.”

Earlier, Hassan had proposed for Dewan Rakyat’s normal proceedings (to debate the royal address) be suspended to make way for the debate on the emergency order.

“Some 509 people have already been warded into hospitals and clinics while another nine are now in intensive care. Some 111 schools have been closed.

“These statistics show the extent of the contamination which started in Pasir Gudang and has now extended to Tebrau.

“As such, Parliament should debate this motion,” he said.

Energy, Science, Technology, Environment and Climate Change Minister Yeo Bee Yin earlier said the committee overseeing the disaster would discuss the issue of an emergency order and make a decision soon.

“I will convey your suggestions and views to the committee as this is not my decision alone. We will decide on this as soon as possible,” Yeo told Dewan Rakyat.

Following the illegal dumping of toxic wastes into Sg Kim Kim, some 200 people, many of them students, have been hospitalised or treated after inhaling toxic fumes.

All of the area’s 111 schools have been closed until further notice. – March 14, 2019.