JOHOR Menteri Besar Dr Sahruddin Jamal has apologised for the continued pollution in Pasir Gudang, which has affected residents’ health.

He vowed to ramp up measures to combat the problem, and gave an assurance that every effort is being made to resolve the issue.

“Believe me, as the state’s leader, I am always concerned about and aware of the developments in Pasir Gudang. I always ask about the situation through the relevant departments and ministries,” he told residents during a town hall in the district today.

He admitted that there are several things that could be improved.

“I humbly apologise to Pasir Gudang residents, and promise to address existing weaknesses.”

Sahruddin, who held the state health exco post before he was made menteri besar, called on residents to stop the blame game, and said Pasir Gudang’s pollution woes cannot be solved in the blink of an eye.

“It needs comprehensive planning that takes into account everyone’s interests, for the sake of future generations.”

Last week, Sahruddin came under attack for not meeting victims of the pollution crisis and explaining the situation to them.

The affected families, as well as Pasir Gudang MP Hassan Abdul Karim, had sought an assurance from the state government that such incidents would not recur. They also wanted updates on the financial aid that had been promised to victims.

Hassan had told The Malaysian Insight that it was the menteri besar’s responsibility to personally meet residents and assure them that the district was safe.

Sahruddin said those responsible for the two Sg Kim Kim pollution cases in March and June will be brought to justice.

“A factory near Sg Kim Kim has been shut down, and four suspects caught. There are 60 accusations against the factory involved in the toxic pollution.

“The trial of the (factory’s) three directors will commence in October.”

State agencies, including the Environment Department, have conducted operations against illegal plants in the area, he said.

He expressed regret over Pasir Gudang’s development planning, which was done many years ago.

“It did not take into account residents’ well-being. We will look for a solution to ensure that these incidents do not happen again.”

Johor has set up a task force to battle pollution not just in Pasir Gudang, but statewide, he added. – August 4, 2019.