TAWAU : The gold mining operations believed to be carried out by Wullersdorf Resources Sdn Bhd (WRSB) in Bukit Mantri, Tawau must be stopped immediately.
Merotai State Assemblyman (ADUN), Sarifuddin Hata said this is to allow for the new Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) results to be released in the near future.
He said that indirectly, the EIA report results will be able to reveal the full list of toxic substances involved in the operation.
“This is in connection with a viral video involving a toxic spill involving sodium cyanide in the gold mine area owned by Wullersdorf Resources Sdn Bhd in Bukit Mantri.
“We urge the State Government to explain why no immediate warning was given to villagers living in the surrounding area.
Sarifuddin said the failure of the early warning system and public safety measures is unacceptable.
“The video that has now gone viral shows the bank of the reservoir collapsing, causing wastewater believed to contain toxic substances to flow into the surrounding area.
“Workers and communities living nearby were not officially informed about the contamination despite the serious health risks,” explained Sarifuddin.
According to him, where is the emergency protocol? Why was there no warning issued to families not to use river water for drinking or bathing?
“This is not just a failure of regulation but a disregard for human life. The health of our people is more valuable than gold.
“Environmental incidents can indeed happen but remaining silent and failing to act in the face of toxic pollution is unforgivable,” said Sarifuddin.
