
Health authorities investigate mysterious deaths of timber workers in Ulu Baram
According to health officer Dr P. Raviwharmman Packierisamy, a team comprising a medical officer and health inspectors has been deployed to the affected camp, which is located approximately nine to ten hours' drive from Miri via off-road timber tracks.
'A team from the Miri Division Health Office has been dispatched to the site to conduct investigations, screen other individuals with symptoms, make early referrals to the nearest healthcare facilities, and carry out health education, sanitation, and disease control measures,' he told The Borneo Post.
The action follows reports of recent deaths involving several workers in the Ulu Baram area over the past week.
Dr Raviwharmman noted that the health office has been working closely with the camp's management and that cooperation from the latter has been constructive.
He emphasised that the situation remains isolated and is currently under control.
It is understood that four men have died in recent weeks, with the most recent fatality recorded yesterday.
The individual reportedly passed away while receiving treatment at Miri Hospital.
The series of deaths has reportedly raised concern and unease among nearby village communities, prompting heightened monitoring by the authorities. — The Borneo Post
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Malay Mail
6 hours ago
- Malay Mail
Hiker, 75, survives 500m fall at Gunung Mulu National Park with head injuries
MIRI, July 24 — A hiker survived with head injuries after falling 500 metres down a slope at the Gunung Mulu National Park near here today. According to the Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) in a statement, the incident occurred near Camp 5 of the park — a popular rest point for trekkers heading towards the pinnacles. The Marudi Bomba station received an emergency call from the Marudi Mountain Cave Search and Rescue (Mocsar) team at around 12.45pm and immediately deployed a team to the site. 'The team arrived at the scene within minutes and administered initial treatment to stop the bleeding from the head of the victim, Elisa Paul @ Lisa Paul, 75. 'The rescue team has requested aerial evacuation assistance, as the victim is conscious but sustained serious injuries, including bleeding from the head,' said Bomba. A helicopter from Layang-Layang Aerospace Miri Sdn Bhd was dispatched to transport the injured hiker to the hospital for further treatment. The victim was also accompanied by a medical team from the Miri Hospital. — The Borneo Post


Free Malaysia Today
7 hours ago
- Free Malaysia Today
MP raises alarm over poor conditions in detention centres, prisons
Teresa Kok said Suhakam's 2023 report found that poor facilities in detention centres and prisons have led to the spread of infectious diseases among inmates, detainees, and staff. KUALA LUMPUR : Teresa Kok (PH–Seputeh) voiced concern today about human rights violations in Malaysia's detention centres and prisons, highlighting the continued use of outdated facilities and unsanitary conditions. Debating the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia's (Suhakam) 2023 annual report in the Dewan Rakyat, Kok said poor facilities in detention centres and prisons had led to the spread of infectious diseases among inmates, detainees, and staff. 'I was shocked to read that six prisons still use the bucket system,' she said. 'This outdated sanitation method puts the health of both inmates and prison officers at risk.' Adding that the Suhakam report found that police lock-ups in Miri and Papar were in poor and unsafe conditions, she urged the home ministry to take immediate action and find safer alternatives for both detainees and personnel at these facilities. She also raised issues of staff shortages and overcrowding, noting that some prison blocks house over 800 inmates, overseen by only two or three wardens. Kok said this put a severe mental strain on the officers and increased the risk of violence and abuse against inmates. She also linked overcrowding to outbreaks of scabies, tuberculosis, and other infectious diseases. Kok said a large portion of the prison population consisted of remand prisoners, and that overcrowding was forcing these detainees to deal with cramped and inhumane living conditions. 'Long court proceedings only worsen the situation. Many of these detainees are just stuck in cells with no activity, no progress in their cases,' she said. She added that the frequent movement of remand prisoners to and from court had contributed to the smuggling of contraband such as phones, drugs, and tobacco. Kok said the conditions at immigration detention centres were a clear violation of basic human rights. 'Suhakam found that detainees often go without basic hygiene supplies like soap, toothpaste, or toothbrushes. These items are only available if families can afford to bring money during visits,' she said. She called on the home ministry to adopt Suhakam's recommendations and ensure consistent funding to provide basic hygiene items and prevent disease outbreaks. Kok also criticised the government's refusal to grant the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) access to immigration depots to verify refugees' status. 'This lack of cooperation with the UNHCR is deeply troubling. Refugees deserve proper screening and support,' she said. Kok likewise questioned the delay in presenting the Suhakam report to Parliament. 'Why are we debating the 2023 report in July 2025? We should already be reviewing the 2024 report. This delay makes the discussion less relevant as many issues may no longer reflect current realities.'

Malay Mail
8 hours ago
- Malay Mail
Selangor haze: Parents can keep kids home as API worsens, schools told to monitor conditions
SHAH ALAM, July 24 — Parents in Selangor are permitted to keep their children home from school due to health concerns amid worsening haze conditions, the state government said today. State Public Health and Environment Committee chairperson Jamaliah Jamaluddin said while student absences will be excused, parents or guardians must notify schools accordingly. 'All principals and headmasters are advised to monitor the Air Pollutant Index (API) via the Department of Environment (DOE) website to ensure timely and appropriate action,' she said in a statement. Schools have been issued a directive outlining response measures if API readings exceed 100 (unhealthy) or 200 (very unhealthy). These include suspending outdoor activities and, if levels surpass 200, closing schools immediately to safeguard students' health. As of today, no haze-related illnesses or heatstroke cases have been reported in Selangor, according to the State Health Department (JKNS), which continues to monitor the situation. API readings have dropped in several areas previously affected, with Petaling Jaya (83), Klang (80), Banting (81) and Johan Setia (88) showing improvement from highs of 150. Shah Alam recorded a moderate reading of 90, while Kuala Selangor remains in the unhealthy range at 126. To address the haze risk, the Selangor DOE has activated its Open Burning Prevention Action Plan amid concerns over increased fire activity during the current hot and dry spell. Local authorities and plantation owners have been directed to tighten fire prevention measures and boost public awareness. 'Enforcement teams are patrolling high-risk areas and operations are underway at identified hotspots to prevent open burning,' Jamaliah said. — Bernama