GEORGE TOWN, Oct 2 — Thirteen 13 factory workers suffered breathing difficulties and one sustained burns due to a chemical spill at a factory’s laboratory in Halaman Kampung Jawa 2, Bayan Lepas Industrial Area, near here, today.

Penang Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) operation centre spokesperson said they received an emergency call at 1.08pm and rushed a team and a fire engine to the scene.

"Upon arrival we discovered that a one-litre container of hydrochloric acid spilled on the floor causing 13 women employees to have breathing difficulties.

"A male employee sustained burns due to the chemical’s splash. All of them were brought to a nearby clinic and were reported to be in stable condition,” he said in a statement, here, today.

He said JBPM Hazardous Material (Hazmat) team was also at the scene to carry out cleaning. — Bernama