KOTA KINABALU: Nine plantation workers in Kinabatangan were rushed to hospital for suspected inhalation of pesticide fumes while fertilising oil palm trees.
In a statement, the Sabah Fire and Rescue Department said the incident happened at about 9am on Saturday (Jan 11) in an eight-hectare plantation but they were only alerted to it at 3.11 pm.
"All victims were taken to Kinabatangan Hospital by the public before firemen arrived," it said.
A team of firefighters and hazardous materials unit (hazmat) personnel were dispatched to the scene, located 45km from the nearest fire station.
Upon arrival, firemen cordoned off the area and set up barriers to contain the danger, concluding the operation at 6.40pm.
Eight victims have since been discharged, while one remains under treatment but is in stable condition. – Bernama
