FAMILIES with children who suffered the effects of chemical poisoning in Taman Pasir Putih, Pasir Gudang have approached prominent lawyer Ambiga Sreenevasan to take the fight to those responsible for the environmental and public health disaster.

The Taman Pasir Putih action committee members have contacted Ambiga and are positive the lawyer-cum-activist would help them get justice.

Ambiga told The Malaysian Insight that she was looking into the residents’ request for help.

“I am looking into it. Waiting for more information and further instructions,” she said. 

The residents seek Ambiga’s advice on their legal options with regards to the culprits in the toxic waste contamination of  Sungai Kim Kim.

The illegal dumping of chemicals in the river two weeks ago caused nearly 6,000 people, mostly students, to fall sick and require treatment for inhalation of toxic fumes.

The Department of Environment had 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 reopen today. 

Taman Pasir Putih action committee member Sujatha Ettickan has pinned her hopes on Ambiga who allegedly told her she would first have to consult her legal colleagues, but would definitely look into the case. 

“She said the case would be (heard) in Johor so she will get more lawyers and will consult them. 

“I told her that my son was one of the victims of the toxic pollution and I told her the other parents are in a dilemma as they do not know how they can take action against those responsible,” Sujatha said.

“I also told her that the parents will not be able to pay high legal fees. She said that can be discussed later.”

Sujatha said some 100 parents have agreed that Ambiga should take up the fight on their behalf

“We all feel very positive that she will help us.

“We are really lost. There were some lawyers who tried to take advantage of the situation by charging us exorbitant fees like RM1,000 per victim and parent,” she said.

Saloma Hassan said she is certain of a good outcome if Ambiga is on their side.

“She is clean and non-political. We don’t want any politics in this case as it involves our children,” she said. 

“We need the right person to help us fight this case and we hope she can help the victims here,” Saloma said, adding that she is hoping to get medical assistance and compensation for their children. 

Saloma said they were also approached by political parties and lawyers seeking to represent them. 

“Some said they wanted to help us for free, but then they started asking for fees. They are asking for a deposit of RM300 per person.

“I have three children and that’s RM900. We are not from a rich background. We can’t afford it,” she said. 

Shahrina Mohd Noor, who has three children, said her 12-year-old son was among the first to be stricken.

“He started vomiting and then fainted. We are worried and unsure about the long-term symptoms. 

“Before this my son was healthy, but now he is having health problems. We want justice and compensation that is adequate for my son.”

While Shahrina is pleased that Ambiga might be representing them, she is also concerned about the legal fees. 

“There will be costs, but we hope that it is a reasonable amount.” – March 31, 2019.