Sultan Ibrahim: Get rid of or relocate polluting industries

Johor ruler Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar (photo, above) has called on the state government to “get rid of or relocate” industries that cause a negative impact on the environment.

Upset with the recurrence of the toxic fumes incident in Pasir Gudang, the Johor monarch told a local daily that such industries are endangering the people of Johor and also neighbouring Singapore. 

Sultan Ibrahim said the people's health is far more important to the state, compared to the economic value brought by industries causing the pollution.

"I don’t care about the so-called economic value of these toxic industries as I am only concerned about the health of Johoreans. That is far more important than money,” he was quoted by The Star in an exclusive article published today. 

It was reported the second incident saw at least 29 students from schools around Pasir Gudang rushed to hospitals after suffering breathing difficulties on June 20 and 21. 

Authorities ascertained that the incident was caused by toxic gas or organic gas. 

Following this, a total of 475 learning institutions in the area were ordered to close as authorities continued to monitor the situation.

It was the second time since March that a toxic spill was detected in Pasir Gudang and caused breathing difficulties to people in the area. 

Sultan Ibrahim also expressed disappointment with the way authorities have been handling the incident.

Saying that the latest incident displayed “complete flaws and weaknesses, if not incompetence” by the authorities, the ruler added that he would summon the leaders of the related agencies to provide an explanation.

”We were assured that all was all right and we heard the politicians and officials issuing us assurances, but barely three months later, the people of Johor are faced with this issue again.

”This is despicable and a total disgrace,” the daily quoted Sultan Ibrahim as saying.