WATER, Land and Natural Resources Minister Xavier Jayakumar’s statements made in Parliament that there is no scientific evidence to show the use of cyanide in gold mining activities at Bukit Koman in Raub is hazardous to the residents and the environment, appears to be scripted reading prepared by lazy civil servants.

The minister had in a Q&A session on August 9 stated: “The facts I obtained showed that the use of cyanide in the gold mining has no effect on the air nor the health at the surrounding area”.

He also said: “Scientifically, there is no link between cyanide with skin growth and skin cancer. There is no literature that we can cite to say cyanide causes skin cancer”.

Had the staffs of the ministry been more resourceful, they would not have missed the scientific publication of Noor Artika Hassan and her colleagues (2015), “A study on exposure to cyanide among a community living near a gold mine in Malaysia”. The study was not merely observational, but a powerful and very significant cross-sectional study with a controlled group, including analysis on urine samples, and details of health complaints.

The study showed the exposed community had a significantly higher prevalence of headaches, dizziness, and skin and eye irritation.

Xavier Jayakumar may be correct to say that there is no scientific link between cyanide and skin cancer. But there are numerous studies showing other adverse effects.

The term “scientifically” denotes a study done through scientific methods in either an observational or experimental study. So far, no study using scientific methods has shown any link. It does not mean cyanide does not cause cancer. For cases of chemical exposure to cause cancer, they have to have a long-term toxic effect, possibly over a decade or two. The Bukit Koman gold mine was operational since 2008 and the people living there barely have ten years of hazardous exposure.

It is the responsibility of ministers and civil servants to maintain continuous vigilance against any adverse effects to humans as well as the environment, and not for them to make sweeping statement of no scientific links.

Those in the health authorities have used the phrase “no scientific link” too often, in particular when trying to diffuse concerns about the possible adverse effects of genetically modified organisms and vaccines. Though there is a need to ascertain cause and effect conclusively, continuous monitoring for adverse events, however minor, is necessary. Even when adverse events have been observed or detected, health officials often use the standard response, “the benefits far outweigh the insignificant side effects”, as a tactic for damage control and to mitigate the problem.

Whether it is the case of GMOs, vaccines, or gold mining in Bukit Koman, our officials who are responsible for health and the environment are reminded that the corporate interest of those involved is primarily for profit. Multinational corporations from developed countries promoting their food, medicine, and services are capable of touting health virtues. Any unfortunate adverse health event that arises pertaining to their products or services is usually only after fat corporate profits have long been realised.

Our officials concerned in health and environmental issues should not accept wholesale so-called research reports detailing product efficacy. Every detail of the scientific reports must be thoroughly scrutinised for bias, flaws, skewed analysis, and even data cheating. In short, not only do our officials have to be diligent, but they must have the acumen for reading scientific reports as well. Xavier Jayakumar’s statement in Parliament indicates our people’s expectation of the performance of our civil servants is far higher than can be delivered.

What Malaysians ask for is not to completely shut down production of gold mining. After all, we have been blessed with gold in our land beneath, much to the envy of most countries. In the past 28 years, there have been some 30 cyanide spills and leaks worldwide, causing widespread environmental disasters. This must not happen in our country and our officials cannot sleep on their job.

An annual production capacity of 1,200kg of gold at today’s market price grosses around RM200 billion. A few years ago, the annual yield was more than 2,400kg. It is a wonder how our politicians and tax officials are satisfied with a mere RM39 million annual tax. Australia cannot be any less happy with our clever Malaysian officials where we Malaysians have to face the brunt of health and environmental hazards, while our gold is their store of perpetual value. – August 16, 2018.

* Wong Ang Peng is a researcher with an interest in economics, politics, and health issues. He has a burning desire to do anything within his means to help the new government rebuild our nation and promote national harmony. Wong is also a member of the National Patriot Association.

* Captain Dr Wong Ang Peng is a researcher with an interest in economics, politics, and health issues. He has a burning desire to do anything within his means to promote national harmony. Captain Wong is also a member of the National Patriots Association.

* This is the opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insight. Article may be edited for brevity and clarity.