A total of 33 barrels filled with chemical liquids were found in an open area near the road to the Gopeng Rural Transformation Centre (RTC) on Monday. Besides, all barrels were found to be leaking.
According to BERNAMA, the irresponsible parties illegally dumped dozens of barrels in the area. The Perak Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) was alerted to the situation at 5:01 p.m., according to a department representative.
Moreover, members from the Gopeng Fire and Rescue Department (FRD) assisted by Simpang Pulai FRD and the Hazardous Materials Management team (HAZMAT) of Pasir Puteh FRD were dispatched to the area to deal with the situation.
In addition, he said, other agencies involved were the police and the Department of Environment (JAS).
“All the barrels were found to have leaked and each barrel contained 20 percent liquid in it. The content of SW 402/ UN 1760 scheduled waste in the barrel.
“The fire brigade that arrived made a ‘size up’ and ‘cordon area’ as a precautionary measure, then help from the Pasir Puteh BBP Hazmat team arrived.
“The Hazmat team has done detection and sampling at the scene and the operation continues by covering the exposed liquid with sand,” he said in a statement on Monday night.
He also added that the detection was done again. This was to ensure that there were no more dangerous substances in the area.
Further action taken
In the meantime, Dato’ Sri Tuan Ibrahim, the Minister of Environment and Water recently posted a Facebook post. It’s regarding the chemical barrels.
“JAS Perak is continuing the investigation and is in the process of transferring chemicals that are believed to be dangerous to the local people. Samples have been sent to the Chemistry Department. The suspects’ statement was taken and the case will be investigated under Section 34B of the Environmental Quality Act 1974.”