JOHOR BARU: Eight suspects have been remanded over the chemical pollution in Kampung Baru Sri Aman near Kempas even as the authorities were cleaning up the area.

       The Johor Environment Department (DOE) said the three-day remand order application was allowed by the Magistrate’s Court here yesterday.

       “The suspects were brought to the court with assistance from the Johor Baru North police headquarters and the department’s investigation and arresting officers, and state prosecution unit.

       “Further investigation will be carried out. The suspects will also have their statements recorded,” it said on Facebook yesterday.

       It was earlier reported that nine people had been arrested to assist in the investigation under Section 34B of the Environment Quality Act 1974 following the pollution in Kampung Baru Sri Aman on Tuesday, which saw the evacuation of 37 families.

       Meanwhile, Johor DOE deputy environment control senior officer Muhammad Faiz Mohd Shafie said it carried out a two-hour operation to clean the affected area yesterday.

       “We used oil booms and absorption pads to clean any leftover chemical around the area, especially on the riverbank and grass,” he said.