KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 3 – Tenom MP Datuk Raime Unggi has accused the Ministry of Energy, Green Technology and Water of turning a blind eye to the dumping of lead acid batteries in Sabah.
The Sabah lawmaker explained that the batteries can cause “irreversible damage” to those who cannot afford health care.
“Our country still allows the use of a very wide range of lead batteries, including for golf carts and back-up power supply in main telecommunication stations, solar power in schools and isolated housing areas.
“I have information that many of the lead batteries which are used are imported from developed nations which have rejected the use of these batteries which are not environment-friendly and a health hazard,” Raime said while debating the Budget 2010 in parliament.
He noted the government last year had allocated RM400 million to supply electricity to schools in rural and isolated communities in Sabah through the use of solar energy, which uses lead batteries for energy storage.
“In Tenom, there are schools that are equipped with solar energy which uses lead batteries that is certain to give health risks which will hinder their education,” he added.
Raime pointed out that the battery will cause harm not only to the community but also to the environment if they are not disposed of properly.
“If the lead battery is dumped in the river, it will not only kill life in the river and people who eat or drink anything from the river will have a high risk of getting chronic diseases. Disposal by burying batteries is also a danger because the toxic chemical will also spread underground to the water system,” he said.
Among the chronic diseases he mentioned include heart attacks, kidney failure, and brain damage and birth defects.
In addition, he said lead batteries contain sulphuric acid which may result in cancer.
Raime also noted that the Ministry of Energy, Green Technology and Water had appointed a German consultant who did not advise the government on the hazards of lead batteries which are rejected by users in Germany.
“Why are schools in rural areas, such as Tenom, becoming victims of carelessness of the ministries concerned, including the consultants who have failed or refused to advise on the risk of using lead batteries in the solar energy system?” Raime asked.
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Oh I have also read a lot recently on lead poisoning of school children in China cities and villages....
Good show YB for highlighting this issue in our backyard