KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah Health Department has concluded that there is no evidence of toxic pollution stemming from gold mining activities in Bukit Mantri, Balung, Tawau, following a comprehensive investigation.
State Health director Datuk Dr Asits Sanna, in collaboration with the Tawau district health office, spearheaded the inquiry in response to a claim reported by a local portal.
The claim alleged that residents near the mining site were falling ill and experiencing vomiting due to inhaling toxic residues from the mining activities.
Dr Asits said: "The investigation found no evidence of such incidents occurring. Private and government health facilities have not reported any cases of sodium cyanide poisoning.
"Further investigations and examinations of the surrounding village areas also found no individuals experiencing symptoms."
He said the Sabah Environment Protection Department (JPASS) confirmed approval for the mining operations based on the results of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report.
"The use of cyanide for gold extraction is conducted within the site perimeter, and disposal follows the standard operating procedure (SOP) in place," he added.
The Tawau district health office and JPASS monitored the situation. They found no specific negative implications on the health of the residents of Kampung Balung Cocos and the general public of Tawau.
Dr. Asits cautioned that cyanide pollution can lead to air and water pollution, potentially causing adverse health effects to those exposed.
Symptoms of cyanide poisoning include confusion, behavioural changes, excessive drowsiness, shortness of breath, headaches, dizziness, vomiting, abdominal pain, and fainting.
The state health department advises residents experiencing such symptoms to seek immediate treatment at nearby health clinics or hospitals.
