Pasir Gudang schools' pupils have difficulty breathing

JOHOR BAHRU, June 20 (Bernama) -- The latest incident of air pollution which affected 15 victims including 13 pupils from two schools in Pasir Gudang, today, was reported to have taken place during the learning session and Aidilfitri open house programme, respectively. 

Sekolah Agama Taman Mawar head mistress, Rahmah Yahaya said the evening learning session at her school took place at 2.30 pm.

But not long after that, a female pupil was reported to have fainted, and this was followed by problems afflicting other pupils, mostly on the upper floor.

‘’A pupil has fainted, some had stomach aches, headache, vomited or cried after they had difficulties breathing.

‘’We quickly gathered them and contacted the ambulance, Fire and Rescue Department and other authorities,’’ she said when met by Bernama at the school here today.

Meanwhile, a SK Pasir Gudang 4 pupil, Mohamad Addam Azfar Azlan, eight, said he suddenly developed headache and vomited when attending an Aidilfitri open house organised by his school at 3.30 pm.

‘’Some of my friends also vomited. I found it a bit difficult to breathe and had headache but there was no foul smell or other odour,’’ he said.

Ahmad Dhamidi Imran, eight. said that he felt nauseated and also vomited but was not sure what had caused it.

In the meantime, Mohamad Addam’s mother, Nurul Aisyah Mohd Ramli, 33, said she rushed from her work place to the school as soon as she received information about what had taken place.

‘’I was shocked and rushed here. The nurse treating my son allowed him to go home and that he be sent to a clinic or hospital if the symptoms recurred,’’ she said.

Nurul Aisyah said that she had received a message from her factory’s Whatsapp group complaining of unpleasant smells in the surrounding area and urging residents to don face and mouth masks.

‘’Some say the odours were akin to burning grass, faeces and others,’’ she said.

-- BERNAMA