GEORGE TOWN, June 1 ― Police will investigate the mercury spill at a Tasek Gelugor school on May 26 which exposed several houses to the chemical.

Penang Police chief Datuk Abdul Ghafar Rajab this was neccessary since mercury is harmful to the health.

“However, mercury is not categorised as an explosive material and can be easily bought,” he told reporters after the Penang Police Contingent monthly assembly, here today.

On May 28, 15 people in Jalan Padang Menora, Kampung Baru in Tasek Gelugor were sent to hospital for examination for suspected exposure to mercury.

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Two days earlier, 56 students from SMK Guar Perahu, Bukit Mertajam were quarantined after a mercury spill in their class.

In another case, police detained a civil servant attached to Penang Police for allegedly being involved in a snatch case in Bandar Baru Air Itam.

Northeast Police chief ACP Mior Faridalatrash Abdul Wahid said the suspect allegedly snatched the handbag of 42 year-old woman at 6am on Tuesday.

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“Policemen on patrol detained the 28 year-old suspect at the scene. The case is investigated under Section 394 of Penal Code for robbery and causing hurt.”

The suspect who tested positive for methamphetamine did not have criminal records. Police had also identified his accomplice who escaped on a motorcycle. ― Bernama