The Sabah Health Department has stated that the gold mining activities in Tawau have not resulted in any poisoning, despite claims made by some individuals.
According to the department’s director, Datuk Dr Asits Sanna, an investigation was carried out in response to reports of villagers falling ill due to alleged toxin inhalation near the Bukit Mantri mining site, which found these claims to be false.
“All clinics and health facilities in Tawau have not reported any cases of sodium cyanide poisoning,” Dr Asits said.
He also mentioned that inspections conducted in the affected villages, such as Kg Cocos Balung, found no evidence of poisoning from toxic waste inhalation.
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Responding to the claims, Dr Asits stated that the Sabah Environment Protection Department (EPD Sabah) confirmed that the gold mining activities were being legally conducted in the area after an environmental impact assessment.
“The use of cyanide to extract gold is being done in a closed and secure manner, as per standard operating procedures,” he added.
Furthermore, follow-up action from the Tawau Health Department and EPD Sabah found no negative implications from the gold mining activities in nearby areas.
Dr Asits highlighted the potential health implications of cyanide pollution and urged individuals experiencing symptoms of toxin inhalation to seek immediate medical attention.
He also mentioned that health officials will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as necessary.
In recent events, villagers in Kg Balung, where the mining is located, claimed to have fallen ill with symptoms including vomiting, which they attributed to inhaling sodium cyanide from the mining activity and called for operations to cease until a thorough investigation is conducted.
During a state assembly sitting in November, Merotai assemblyman Sarifuddin Hata called for the shutdown of the mining operation, alleging that it was illegal and had no new approval from the Malaysian Mineral and Geoscience Department for operations after the earlier approval expired on Oct 31.
However, Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister Datuk Abidin Madingkir later reiterated that the state government found the mining activities to have fulfilled all regulatory conditions.
