JOHOR BARU: Johor police have confirmed that five reports were lodged by residents and the family members of those affected by the dumping of chemicals at a river in Pasir Gudang.

Its chief Comm Datuk Mohd Khalil Kader Mohd said the reports were lodged at Seri Alam police district headquarters following the incident.

"Even though the case is under the Department of Environment (DOE), police will also be investigating the chemical dumping at Sungai Kim Kim.

"Whoever is responsible for dumping the chemical has total disregard for the safety of the community and the environment," he said when met after officiating the state police mega customers day at Johor police headquarters here on Saturday (March 9).

He added that police would be investigating the case under Section 278 of the Penal Code and Section 284 of the same Act.

Comm Mohd Khalil said police were working closely with the DOE and that samples had been taken at the site for investigation.

He urged those with information or who had witnessed any suspicious vehicles near the location to immediately contact the state police hotline at 07-2212999 or lodge a report at the nearest police station.

A total of 79 people, including students and children, were admitted to hospital following the chemical spill at Sungai Kim Kim on Thursday (March 7).