‘Symptoms of illnesses may emerge decades later’
KUALA LUMPUR: Communities living near bauxite mining areas are at risk of physical and psycho-social (mental, emotional, social and spiritual) problems in the short and long terms, an expert says.
Universiti Putra Malaysia Faculty of Environmental Studies senior lecturer Dr Mohd Yusoff Ishak said the effects of bauxite mining activities should be taken seriously as they involved acute illnesses, whose signs and symptoms may emerge decades later.
“Some of the short-term health issues are loss of hearing and sight, respiratory difficulties, skin irritation and anxiety.
“Our primary concern is the release of airborne particulate matter from bauxite mining. Coarse particles could be coughed out but fine particles could be lodged in the body’s alveoli, potentially leading to advanced respiratory and cardiovascular problems.”
He cited two studies — Psychological and Health Impacts of Bauxite Mining among Felda Bukit Goh communities in Kuantan, Malaysia (2016) by UPM and Environmental and Occupational Health Impact of Bauxite Mining in Malaysia (2017) by Monash University Malaysia — which revealed a strong correlation between psychological impacts (stress) due to environmental factors and health complications.
“The stress in the respondents was associated with noise, a dusty and dirty environment, contaminated and disrupted water supply, damaged roads, traffic congestion and frequent cleaning of properties.
“Stress can also impair the body’s physical system, increase respiratory and dermal symptoms, reduce energy and appetite, disturb sleep patterns and cause musculo-skeletal system disorder.”
Yusoff said young children were at higher risk of health issues such as asthmatic and skin problems as their immune system was still developing.
“We should view this matter seriously as many residents in these areas have children.”
He said lack of enforcement could lead to standard operating procedure (SOP) being compromised.
“Past cases of bauxite mining showed that enforcement was lacking, thus operators worked beyond the stipulated hours. The SOP must be enforced strictly and reviewed by a working committee before permits are renewed.”
He said the authorities must consult the local community prior to resuming bauxite mining operations.
“There should be fixed operating hours and mining operators must not carry out 24-hour work cycles. A committee comprising experts and stakeholders must be set up to review operations to ensure operators comply with the SOP.”