How much toxic waste was dumped into Sungai Kim Kim?

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Between 20 to 40 Tonnes of Toxic Waste Were Dumped into Sungai Kim Kim

Approximately 20 to 40 tonnes of toxic waste were discharged into Sungai Kim Kim. The substance was identified as marine oil waste, a lubricant for marine engines, which can release methane and benzene fumes. Other potential compounds detected in the waste include acrylonitrile, acrolein, hydrogen chloride, toluene, xylene, and limonene.
Nature of the Toxic Waste

The primary component identified by Department of Environment (DOE) investigators was marine oil waste, commonly used for lubricating marine engines. This type of waste is known to emit flammable methane and benzene fumes. Unverified reports from various media outlets also indicated the presence of other hazardous compounds such as acrylonitrile, acrolein, hydrogen chloride, toluene, xylene, and limonene. Authorities confirmed identifying at least eight chemicals from their sampling, with the possibility of unknown substances also being present.
Timeline of the Dumping Incident

Initial investigations by the Johor DOE revealed that a tanker lorry dumped the chemicals into the river on March 6. The consequences of this dumping began to manifest shortly thereafter, with the first 103 victims reported on March 7. A subsequent wave of affected individuals numbered 106 on March 11, followed by another 60 people falling ill on March 12. By March 14, the total number of recorded victims had risen to 506.
Location of the Dumping Site

The toxic waste was dumped under a bridge that connects Taman Pasir Putih and Taman Kota Masai. This specific location was situated approximately half a kilometre away from the initial schools that were affected by the pollution, namely SK Taman Pasir Putih and SMK Pasir Putih.
Identified Responsible Parties

As of March 11, the Johor DOE had detained two factory owners and one worker, all in their 50s, who subsequently admitted their involvement. These individuals had not yet been publicly named by the authorities pending formal charges. A separate case involving an illegal factory owner, who was scheduled to face charges under Section 34B of the Environmental Quality Act 1974, was postponed for further investigation. A task force comprising various agencies and departments has been established to investigate the root cause of the pollution.

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How much toxic waste was dumped into Sungai Kim Kim?

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