BUTTERWORTH — The toxic gas that killed a worker at a Penang factory and left another in critical condition was so potent that even doctors who performed CPR on them took ill.
The worker who was killed had returned to the factory in Perai here on Wednesday, together with a colleague, to take gas readings after fumigation work for pest control had been completed the day before.
Both of them were later rushed to a nearby hospital after they fainted. Before that, they had vomitted and experienced shortness of breath after leaving the factory building, Penang Department of Occupational Safety and Health (JKKP) director Hairozie Asri said in a statement.
The worker who died was pronounced dead on Thursday while still under treatment, Hairozie added.
“Preliminary investigation found that the two victims were employees of the appointed contractor company. Eight workers, including the two victims, were carrying out fumigation work for pest control at the factory from Jan 21 to 28.
“The doctors who treated both victims also experienced shortness of breath and sore throat after performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on them.
“Six other workers, all local men, also showed early symptoms of exposure to the toxic gas and were treated at the hospital, but have since been discharged and are still under observation,” he said.
The Penang JKKP has ordered the closure of the entire fumigation site at the factory and issued a notice banning the use of the hazardous chemical involved – methyl bromide – until the investigation is completed.
JKKP has also instructed the employer to conduct an internal investigation to identify the cause of the incident, propose improvements, and present its findings.
“We will conduct a follow-up investigation by obtaining the relevant documents and recording statements from all identified witnesses. Legal action under Section 15(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1994 will be taken if violations occur,” he said.
Methyl bromide is used for fumigation and pest control in agriculture and shipping. It can kill a wide variety of organisms, including fungi, weeds, insects, worms as well as larger animals like rodents. It is odourless and colourless, and dissipates quickly into the atmosphere. Its use is banned in Europe and the United Kingdom for harmful effects on the environment. – February 1, 2025