KOTA KINABALU: The nine plantation workers who were hospitalised Saturday (Jan 11) for pesticide poisoning reportedly inhaled Carbosulfan pesticide (UN3077) while fertilising oil palm trees at a 20-acre plantation.
Kinabatangan Fire and Rescue Station chief Nurul Azlan Shah Jamalludin said they received an emergency call from the plantation owner at 3.11pm on Saturday.
A six-member team led by Jasmani Osni, with hazardous materials consultant Mohammad Hannis Mokhtar, was dispatched to the site, located 45km from the station.
"When the team arrived, all victims had already been taken to Kinabatangan Hospital by co-workers for treatment," said Nurul Azlan.
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Firefighters secured the area by setting up barricades to prevent further risks and wore personal protective equipment during the decontamination process.
The situation was brought under control at 5.30pm, and the operation ended at 6.40pm after the area was declared safe.
"We advise plantation owners to ensure their workers wear proper protective gear during pesticide-related tasks," he said.
According to Nurul Azlan, eight workers have since been discharged, while one remains warded but is in stable condition.
