AN illegal tyre recycling factory owner suspected of dumping chemical waste into a river in Pasir Gudang, Johor will not be charged today as prosecutors want more information, says report.

The suspect was to be charged at the Johor Baru Magistrate’s Court this morning under Section 34B of the Environmental Quality Act 1974. 

But Malay Mail Online reported that prosecutors had delayed proceedings.

The report also had Johor Health, Environment and Agriculture Committee chairman Dr Sahruddin Jamal confirming the delay.

“The state Deputy Public Prosecutors Office has directed the Department of Environment for more details in the investigation papers,” he was quoted as saying.

He added that the suspect will only be charged when prosecutors are satisfied with the investigation.

Yesterday Energy, Technology, Science, Climate Change and Environment Minister Yeo Bee Yin reportedly said the individual is expected to be charged today.

She made the announcement after visiting the affected areas in Pasir Gudang.

She added that Attorney-General Tommy Thomas has been contacted about the possibility of bringing multiple charges against the suspect due to the severity of the offence.

More than 500 people, many of them students, have sought medical treatment and some even warded in the hospital after inhaling the toxic fumes emanating from the waste.

The Education Ministry has also closed 111 schools indefinitely due to the contamination. – March 14, 2019.