In the latest development regarding the chemical dumping in Pasir Gudang, three men have been charged in the Malaysian Sessions Court for illegally disposing of toxic waste in Kim Kim River.
According to The Star, two of the accused are Malaysians – Yap Yoke Liang and N. Maridass – and the third individual is Singaporean Wang Jin Chao. Yap and Wang are directors of a used tyre-processing company, while Maridass is a lorry driver under their employ.
Source: The Straits Times
The charge sheet states that Maridass was accused of illegally disposing of chemicals into the river on March 7, and that Wang and Yap were his co-conspirators. When their charges were read before judge Jailani Rahman, all three pleaded not guilty. Maridass and Yap were imposed a bail of RM100,000 and RM250,000 respectively, but neither men posted bail. Furthermore, Yap was ordered to surrender his passport, and Wang was not offered bail due to his status as a foreigner.
Overall, the three men, along with the company, were slapped with a total of 60 charges, and accused by the Department of Environment (DoE) of 15 offences.
Meanwhile, Malay Mail reports that police are on the search for another Singaporean, who is also a director in the company. Johor police chief Datuk Mohd Khalil Kader Mohd said they are looking for him and a few other individuals to assist in the ongoing investigation. To help with the probe, authorities have engaged Singaporean police forces and are now awaiting feedback on the man’s whereabouts.
Wang, Yap and Maridass were charged under Section 34B(1)(a) of the Environment Quality Act 1974, and could face imprisonment of up to 5 years as well as a maximum fine of RM500,000, if they are found guilty.
At the moment, Yap and Wang are being detained in the Ulu Choh remand centre.
To recap, 111 schools in Pasir Gudang were shut down, and remain closed, after more than 4,000 people in the vicinity fell ill from the inhalation of toxic gases emitted by the toxic waste. Cleanup works on the river commenced on March 13 and concluded on March 17, following which Energy, Technology, Science, Climate Change and Environment Minister Yeo Bee Yin paid a visit to vouch for the improvement of the air quality. However, authorities are continuing to monitor the area to ensure both the water and air there remain clean.
Source: Malay Mail
WORLD OF BUZZ will continue to update this space in the event of any new developments. Stay tuned.
Also read: Yeo Bee Yin “I Will Show The People That Pasir Gudang is Now Safe By Not Wearing a Mask”
