Cyanide not the cause of skin ailment

RAUB: Cyanide is not the cause of skin ailments suffered by residents near Kampung Bukit Koman.

Health Ministry deputy director-general (public health) Datuk Dr Lokman Hakim Sulaiman said the first case affecting a resident was reported in March 2009.

“However, follow-up checks showed no signs that it was linked to cyanide.

“We are still trying to trace the source of the skin ailment,” he said during health checks conducted by the ministry at SJK(C) Yuh Wah, Kampung Bukit Koman near here yesterday.

Dr Lokman said out of the 1,279 Bukit Koman residents screened, 77% had no major health problems while 23% suffered from skin allergies and eye irritation.

“Last month, we also checked 200 residents and found most of them to be healthy and free of symptoms related to cyanide,” he said.

On the 383 villagers said to suffer from skin ailments as alleged by certain groups, he said the list was not given to the ministry for follow-up checks and verification.

About 60 people turned up for the health check at the school yesterday.

P. Indrani, 54, said her skin rash appeared about a month ago.

“The rash has healed but I decided to come for a check-up.

“My two children have no such problems,” she said.

Another resident Chai Choo Mun, 76, said the skin ailment had been bugging him for the past five years.

Pahang Wanita MCA chief Senator Datuk Lim Nget Yoon, who was present, said certain quarters were misleading the villagers by distorting information.

“So far, there is no proof and even tests by the relevant authorities on the water, soil and air showed it is within the permissible level with no pollution related to cyanide,” she said.

Meanwhile, Himpunan Hijau Raub & Pahang Raub Ban Cyanide in Gold Mining Action Committee said the rally today will be peaceful.

“We would like to stress that we will not tolerate any violence,” it said in a statement yesterday.

It said more than 200 volunteers will assist in traffic management to ensure the rally proceeds smoothly.

“Police will accompany the management representative from Raub Australian Gold Mine Sdn Bhd (RAGM) to receive the memorandum at the assembly venue at Padang Milo,” said the statement.

Source: The Star

Category: Health alert