Authorities discovered 26 drums of unidentified chemical waste in a Negeri Sembilan plantation, with samples sent for analysis and a hunt for those responsible
JEMPOL: A total of 26 drums containing chemical waste were discovered in an oil palm plantation in Felcra Air Hitam today.
The Negeri Sembilan Fire and Rescue Department received an emergency call regarding the incident at 11.25 am.
A fire engine from the Seri Jempol station arrived at the location just 12 minutes later at 11.37 am.
Initial inspections found the drums contained unidentified chemicals, prompting a call for the Hazardous Materials special team.
The Hazmat team from Seremban 2 station arrived at 1.24 pm to conduct assessments and open the drums for sampling.
Samples of the liquid were taken by the Department of Environment for analysis, with initial readings showing a near-neutral pH of 6.
Negeri Sembilan DOE director Abdul Aziz Parmin confirmed all drums remain at the location under official supervision.
The samples have been sent to a chemical laboratory in Melaka to determine the exact type of liquid.
“We will obtain the results soon,” Abdul Aziz told Bernama when contacted.
He noted the remote location is far from residential areas and rivers, allowing for temporary on-site storage.
The drums will later be transferred to a licensed facility designated for storing such waste according to its category.
Abdul Aziz said the DOE will track down those responsible for illegally dumping the drums.
Action will be taken against any parties found guilty of the offence.
