Glue spill in Keningau's Bariawa and Pegalan rivers, residents advised not to use waters

KENINGAU: Residents here are advised not to use water from Sungai Bariawa and Sungai Pegalan following a glue spill Friday (April 1) night.

Keningau police chief DSP Nor Rafidah Kassim said at 11.40 pm Friday, a lorry carrying glue from Kota Kinabalu heading to a plywood factory skidded and crashed while going downhill.

The driver was not injured but the accident damaged the lorry and glue spilled into a river in Kampung Bariawa.

"Teams from the Health Department and police have taken river water samples for further action. Reports have been submitted to the Environment (DOE) Department for action.

"The public is advised not to carry out any activities in the river that is suspected to be polluted," she said in a statement Saturday (April 2).

Meanwhile, Keningau district officer Walter Kenson, in a statement Saturday, urged villagers living near the Bariawa and Sungai Pegalan rivers not to use river water until it is confirmed to be safe by the department.

He said the affected areas included Bariawa Ulu, Bariawa Tengah, Bariawa Laut, Lingkudou, Durok, Masak, and Ansip.

Residents have also been told to spread the word not to use to water from the rivers.

"The chemical spill (glue) contains Phenol Formaldehyde Resin, which is categorised as toxic and dangerous to humans.

"Residents who suffer health problems after using river water should go to the nearest hospital or medical clinic for immediate treatment," she said. – Bernama