Malaysian authorities have shut 111 schools as of Wednesday, after a suspected chemical leak in the southern state of Johor poisoned more than 200 children, teachers and other people.
Education Minister Maszlee Malik said in a Facebook post that the situation is “getting more critical,” according to Reuters.
The cause of the poisoning is thought to be fumes from toxic waste dumped into a river, Reuters says. The schools closed are located in the Pasir Gudang area, near Malaysia’s southern border with Singapore.
It has not been confirmed who is responsible for the chemicals causing the poisoning.
According to Reuters, 207 people had been treated for poisoning. As of Monday 44 people remained in hospital, with six of those people in intensive care. A majority of those in hospital are students.
- For Both Donald Trump and Alvin Bragg, the Central Park Jogger Case Was a Turning Point
- If Donald Trump Is Indicted, Here's What Would Happen Next in the Process
- Alison Roman Won't Sugarcoat It
- Why Not All Observant Muslims Fast During Ramadan
- All of the Other Major Investigations Into Donald Trump
- Who Should Be on the 2023 TIME100? Vote Now
- The Case for Betting on Succession's Tom Wambsgans
- Postmaster General Louis DeJoy's Surprising Second Act
- Column: Ozempic Exposed the Cracks in the Body Positivity Movement
