THE Johor government is looking into alternative sites to relocate factories from Pasir Gudang, the scene of a recent chemical pollution that affected more than 1,000 people, said Menteri Besar Osman Sapian.

He said alternative sites being considered are Kota Tinggi, Sedenak, Simpang Renggam and Kluang.

He added that Pasir Gudang was no longer appropriate to host factories as the township has grown to essentially become a city with a 600,000-strong population.

“We are in the midst of planning to relocate the industrial zone in Pasir Gudang elsewhere.

“Pasir Gudang has now become a city with about 600,000 people living there. It has become unsuitable to have factories in such a high-population area,” Osman said after an event at Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) in Shah Alam today.

He said the state government also realised that the chemical pollution at Sg Kim Kim last month was caused by a factory that had been operating for about 30 years.

“When the factories in Pasir Gudang started operations, there were no developments there. The area was suitable as an industrial zone then.

“But today, that is no longer the case. We will have to relocate them.” 

Last month, Johor’s Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar urged the government to take stern action against those responsible for dumping toxic waste in Sg Kim Kim and look into the types of factories allowed to operate in the area.

In the long run, the sultan said he wanted the government to study all industries operating out of Pasir Gudang and either relocate or shut down those involved in chemical and toxic substances.

The pollution affected more than 1,000 people, of which 12 were treated in intensive care units. A total of 111 schools were also ordered to close due to the pollution.

On March 19, the government declared the areas safe. – April 1, 2019.