Tawau gold mine fiasco probe: Fears over cyanide contamination of river
Published on: Tue, Jun 10, 2025
By: Amir Anuar Text Size: Nizam praised the swift response by authorities, calling their enforcement actions appropriate and necessary to protect public health and the environment. TAWAU: Numerous government agencies have mobilised to investigate potential toxic cyanide contamination after a gold mine's water retention dam burst on May 17, with concerns the spillage may have reached Sungai Kalumpang. Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister Datuk Nizam Abu Bakar Titingan praised the swift response by authorities, calling their enforcement actions appropriate and necessary to protect public health and the environment.
Advertisement The Department of Minerals and Geoscience Malaysia has imposed an immediate operational ban on the affected retention pond area, effective May 27. Meanwhile, the Department of Environmental Protection is conducting comprehensive sampling and analysis around the incident site extending to Sungai Kalumpang to assess contamination risks. 'We fully support all measures taken to ensure mining activities in the State comply with environmental regulations,' Nizam said, adding that any operations potentially damaging the environment must face strict enforcement. The coordinated response involves several key agencies to address the crisis. The Department of Environmental Protection is conducting environmental risk assessments and contamination monitoring throughout the affected area. The State Health Department has implemented health monitoring protocols for residents living near the incident site as a precautionary measure. Tawau Municipal Council is leading the disaster response coordination efforts, while the Fire and Rescue Department provides emergency response support. The State Forestry Department is also involved in assessing the broader environmental impact of the incident. A District Disaster Action Meeting, chaired by the MPT President, has been convened to address the incident and coordinate necessary response measures. The mining company involved obtained a High Court injunction on May 29 to prevent interference with critical repair work at their facility. The company's subsidiary has been granted full access to conduct necessary repairs to the damaged retention pond. The company has reaffirmed its commitment to environmental compliance and operational integrity, saying it will utilise all legal channels to protect its mining operations while addressing the incident. The investigation continues as authorities work to determine the full extent of any environmental impact and ensure public safety in the affected area. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available.
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