Chemical spill at Tanjong Malim factory leaves 11 with breathing issues

IPOH: Eleven people suffered breathing difficulties and eye irritation after a chemical spill at a manufacturing factory in Tanjong Malim.

Perak Fire and Rescue Department acting assistant director of operations Shazlean Mohd Hanafiah said a distress call was received at 12.42pm on Thursday (Oct 9).

“There was a chemical spill involving isocyanates caused by a leak in the factory’s pipe system,” he said.

“The spill is estimated to involve about 15 litres of the substance,” he added in a statement on Thursday.

He said the victims were taken to a nearby clinic before fire and rescue personnel arrived.

“Following this, the station chief contacted the Hazardous Materials team for advice and cleaning procedures,” he added.

Shazlean said the pipe leak was successfully sealed and the spill was contained using sand.

“Operations are still ongoing,” he said.