THE prime minister today defended the authorities’ handling of the chemical waste crisis in Pasir Gudang, describing it as “very good”.

“I’m satisfied with the work done to counter the effects of the poisoning. The hospital staff did a very good job. 

“It is unusual for people to be poisoned by such chemicals but it’s obvious that they have prevented any deaths. 

“Most of the others will be discharged as they recover. 

“On the whole, I think the handling of this problem in Pasir Gudang was very good and I see no reason to announce any emergency measures,” said Dr Mahathir Mohamad at the Perdana Leadership Foundation today.

Asked whether Mentri Besar Osman Sapian should be accountable for not reacting swiftly enough to contain the contamination, Dr Mahathir sarcastically replied: “Those people who criticise us should come to us before we do anything and tell us what to do. Then we will follow (what they say).”

There have been criticisms against the state government for acting too slowly to contain or clean up the contamination. Students in the area began falling sick more than a week ago on March 7, when the chemical fumes were first detected.

The chemicals dumped in the nearby river, Sungai Kim Kim, were found to be the by-products of pyrolysis for the recycling of tyres.

All 111 schools in Pasir Gudang have been ordered closed by the Education Ministry.

More than 3,000 people have taken ill so far, and none have died.

The government has decided not to declare an emergency nor evacuate residents. – March 15, 2019.