Hazardous Waste Dumped in Malaysian River Gives Off Fumes

Over 500 people, many of them school children in Malaysia, have had to receive medical treatment after inhaling hazardous fumes. The fumes are the result of toxic waste being dumped into a river in southern Johor last week. And this caused hazardous fumes across a wide area. The affected persons showed symptoms of poisoning including nausea and vomiting.

Authorities have had to close more than 100s of schools as the children were being treated. The Ministry of Education released a statement highlighting its decision to close the 111 schools in the Pasir Gudang area immediately. As of yet, it remains unclear as to the type of poisonous gas that had been emitted.

Meanwhile, three men have been arrested for the dumping of toxic waste. If found guilty, the men could be in jail for five years.