fbpx
Connect with us

Social Stories

Malaysia’s Last Hunter-Gatherers Under Threat Due To Toxic Runoff From Manganese Mines

Published

Malaysia'S Last Hunter-Gatherers Under Threat Due To Toxic Runoff From Manganese Mines - World Of Buzz
Source: Washington Post

Follow us on Facebook, Youtube, Twitter, and Instagram for the latest stories and updates daily.

Pollution of mother nature in Malaysia takes center stage yet again as the international newspaper The Washington Post sheds much light on the impact of manganese mines on the Batek of Kuala Koh, Gua Musang.

FYI, manganese is much sought after today as it serves several purposes such as fillers for smartphone batters tables and computers; as well as in the manufacturing of stainless steel and aluminum drink cans.

Recalling reports on local media, Malay Mail on June 30th reported the closure of a manganese mine in Aring 11 Kuala Koh by the Mineral and Geoscience Department as the mining was carried out without permission.

To give an idea how much the mines have impacted the Batek, headmen Mahmet Pokok explained that many began to fall mysteriously ill, whom many believed originated from polluted ravines and water sources filled with toxic waste from the mines, logging, and palm oil plantations.

“They began to fall ill. Soon, people couldn’t breathe.”

“They shriveled and their bodies turned black.”

With the population of the Batek relying mostly on what mother nature provides, as they are known as hunter-gatherers, the mysterious illness left the 186-strong clan with 16 deaths and 100 hospitalized.

The government mentions that four died because of measles, eight due to epidemiological relations to the measles outbreak. The remaining four, however, could not be determined.

Another clansman, Mahmet Om was not convinced of the reports, saying that they knew how to treat measles and that the sickness was new.

To give a clue of what the sickness was like clanswoman Nira recalled symptoms of a swollen throat, blurred vision and suffering aches throughout the body.

Losing two sisters due to the mysterious sickness, she mentions that the nearby mines are to blame, stating “The water tasted bitter and oily. It smelled of petroleum and wood. The water had an oily sheen.”

Being the beneficiaries of Malaysia’s rainforest, the life of the Batek has certainly been hard as logging and expansion of massive palm oil plantation forces them to seek new homes despite assurances that they will not be marginalized.

Things got worse for them when a manganese mine opened up directly above the main water source of Kuala Koh, the Tonduk river.

Mahmet said, “I believe we were poisoned because of the mine. When it rains, we do not use water from Tonduk.” 

With the report claiming that despite the government attributing the deaths to measles, measures have been taken with the funding of an $800,000 power grid and water treatment system.

Seriously, we should really do something about the rampant pollution that are not only impacting mother nature but also Malaysians in the process.

Also read: Heavy Metal Pollution Detected in Teluk Bahang River After Illegal Granite Mining Continues

Life Of The Batek Under Threat Due To Toxic Runoff From Manganese Mines - World Of Buzz

Follow us on Facebook, Youtube, Twitter, and Instagram for the latest stories and updates daily.



Just In

Collage 89 Collage 89
News12 hours ago

Johor Government May Implement a 4.5-Day Workweek in the Near Future

A 4-day workweek sounds ideal, but a 4-and-a-half day workweek doesn’t sound bad either. Johoreans may be in luck next...

My Post 1 2024 11 21T160023.537 My Post 1 2024 11 21T160023.537
News13 hours ago

“UPSR get D, SPM can get A” – PMX Responds to BERSIH Giving Him a Grade D in ‘Report Card’

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has opened up about BERSIH’s ‘report card‘ on his administration’s performance in conjunction with...

My Post 1 2024 11 21T114442.032 1 My Post 1 2024 11 21T114442.032 1
News18 hours ago

PDRM is Offering 60% Off Selected Traffic Summons at Govt’s 2nd Anniversary Event This Weekend!

In conjunction with the MADANI government’s 2nd anniversary on 24 November (Sunday), the Ministry of Home Affairs of Malaysia (KDN)...

Collage 17 1 Collage 17 1
News2 days ago

MCPF Calls for Vape Ban, Warns Addiction to Substances Can Lead to Unhealthy Behaviours Like Theft

The Malaysian Crime Prevention Foundation (MCPF) is urging for the sale of e-cigarettes or vape devices to be banned or...

Feat Image Lesen Feat Image Lesen
News2 days ago

Anthony Loke: Road Users in M’sia May Have to Pay for Physical Driving License Cards Starting Next Year

Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook today iterated that the Government will continue with the implementation of digital driving licenses...

Collage 15 2 Collage 15 2
News2 days ago

Filipino Couple Caught Living & Working Illegally in Malaysia Using Fake MyKads That Cost RM250 Each

A Filipino husband and wife were arrested during a raid on November 19 at a house in Pandan Indah yesterday...

Feat Image Apple Ind Feat Image Apple Ind
News2 days ago

Apple Offers to Increase Investment in Indonesia Tenfold to RM446 Million to Lift Country’s iPhone 16 Series Ban

Previously, we shared how the Apple iPhone 16 Series is banned from being sold in Indonesia until the tech giant...

My Post 1 2024 11 20T144359.263 My Post 1 2024 11 20T144359.263
News2 days ago

BERSIH Names Ismail Sabri the Best PM Since 2009, Calls Out PMX for Lack of Urgency with Reforms

In conjunction with the upcoming 2nd anniversary (24 November) of Anwar Ibrahim’s administration, The Coalition for Clean and Fair Elections,...

Announcement

Latest Videos



TRENDING TODAY