JOHOR BARU: Thirty people, including 18 students, have been admitted to hospitals in Pasir Gudang after exposure to hazardous gas from chemical waste that was illegally dumped into a river.

Johor Health, Environment and Agriculture Committee chairman Dr Sahruddin Jamal said that there were 21 patients taken to Sultan Ismail Hospital, six at the Pasir Gudang Health Clinic and another three at Penawar Hospital.

"Two victims, including a student, had to be intubated as their respiratory systems were blocked.

"The rest of the victims are in stable condition," he added.

Dr Sahruddin said that besides the students, other victims included one staff member from the Department of Environment and another from the Pasir Gudang health clinic.

He added that the authorities have also taken samples from Sungai Kim Kim in Pasir Gudang.

Dr Sahruddin said that the chemical was dumped by irresponsible parties, where a bridge is being constructed.

Meanwhile, State Education and Islamic Affairs Committee chairman Aminolhuda Hassan said that the students were from SK Taman Pasir Putih and SMK Pasir Putih.

"Following the incident, the Johor Education Department has taken the decision to shut down the two schools until further notice," he added.

Both of them are met during a press conference after visiting some of the victims being hospitalised at HSI here on Thursday (March 7).