The state’s Environmental Protection Department (EPD) is currently investigating an alleged pollution incident at a beach in Kudat, in the northern part of the state. The beach is situated next to a silica sand mining operation. Tourism, Culture and Environment Datuk Christina Liew stated that initial findings suggest that the “darkish brown” pollutants are from a natural pond outside the mining area, which overflowed into the white sand beach due to heavy rain. The EPD probe indicates that the dark water may be a normal characteristic of the water in that particular area due to the soil type and its proximity to the mangrove area. Liew was advised by the EPD director, Vitalis Moduying, that the water had this color even before the sand mining project began. However, the EPD will continue to investigate the situation.
Concerns were raised among the public when photos of the pollution were shared on social media groups. The public wanted to ascertain whether the water overflow was a result of heavy rain causing a slush runoff from the natural pond, or whether it was related to the nearby mining activity. Sabah Environmental Protection Association (SEPA) president Alexander Yee confirmed that they had also been informed about the possible pollution at the beach in Kudat’s Sikuati area. Environmental groups in the area inspected the alleged pollution and determined that it was naturally occurring and unrelated to the mining operations. Yee added that the dark patch on the sandy white beach was caused by the water from the natural drain overflowing onto the beach area and subsequently drying up.
Credit: The Star : News Feed
