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Daily Express
5 days ago
- Business
- Daily Express
Silent threat: E-waste impact on marine life. How harmful substances also pose health risks to Sabahans
Published on: Sunday, June 01, 2025 Published on: Sun, Jun 01, 2025 By: Audrey J Ansibin Text Size: Op Hazard: Piles of unprocessed discarded electric and electronic devices at an illegal processing factory the size of 16 football fields in Segamat. (Pic: Bernama) FINAL of a two-part series: Environmental experts say the world is producing more electronic waste (e-waste) materials than we can handle, resulting in 'mismanagement and improper disposal of countless electronic devices'. Greentec, a company that specialises in IT lifecycle services based in Canada, says consumerism generates approximately 50 million tonnes of e-waste annually, and this number is projected to exceed 74 million tonnes by 2030. Advertisement 'When improperly handled or disposed of, e-waste can cause significant environmental damage,' the company says. 'Discarded electronics are not just an environmental issue, but they also pose significant risks to human health.' A local professor from the Borneo Marine Research Institute (UMS) tells Daily Express that 'heavy metal pollution from landfill leachate presents a growing threat to Sabah's marine ecosystems and public health'. At this rate, the Kota Kinabalu City Hall (DBKK) Solid Waste Management Department urges members of the public to repair and reuse such devices to curb the rising e-waste woe in Malaysia, particularly in Sabah. Its Director Leong Tze Fui said, apparently, Sabah doesn't have a processing plant yet. 'Everything (e-waste) will be sent over to peninsula Malaysia for further treatment,' he said. He encourages the public to drop their household e-waste at Pusat Lestari Kota Kinabalu behind the Dewan Masyakarat in the city. He clarifies that this is a storage centre and not a recycling site. 'When the storage is full, we will call the DoE (Department of Environment) and they will then inform their contractor to collect all the accumulated e-waste devices,' Leong said. 'For example, the DoE personnel will then go to the disposal factory site and they will segregate the hazardous and non-hazardous components,' he said. 'In the future, we plan to have other collection sites in the outskirts. Several areas have been identified in Menggatal, Telipok and Lido, to name a few, to complement the existing one in Kota Kinabalu area at the moment. In the future we will have multiple collection sites. 'We work with NGOs like Sabah Computer Society in annual events to collect used laptops / computers at Dewan Serbaguna Damai,' he said, adding that they carry out such event twice a year. 'Don't throw e-waste materials into the dustbins because they contain harmful chemicals that will not only affect the environment but also marine life, which in turn could affect humans that consume these seafood.' When asked about the Ops Hazard carried out by the government, recently, he opined that it was due to household e-waste that had accumulated tremendously. 'The public trend to replace instead of repair is the reason why e-waste increased at an alarming rate. 'DoE is strict when it comes to the treatment regulations on such products. Non-licensed factories and centres will be taken to task for non-compliance. 'These illegal sites don't have proper facilities to treat these discarded materials, which can lead to harmful effects on the environment.' On the DBKK side, Leong said they would usually handle e-waste materials regulated under EQA 1974 Scheduled Waste 103 and 110. These include 'waste of batteries containing cadmium and nickel or mercury or lithium' and 'waste from electrical and electronic assemblies containing components such as accumulators, mercury-switches, glass from biphenyl-capacitors, or contaminated with cadmium, mercury, lead, nickel, chromium, copper, lithium, silver, manganese or polychlorinated biphenyl.' Heavy Metal Contamination in Sabah's Marine Ecosystem and Landfill Leachate Meanwhile, Assoc Prof Dr Abentin Estim from Universiti Malaysia Sabah's Borneo Marine Research Institute, said Sabah is known for its rich marine biodiversity and significant fishing industry. 'However, rapid urbanisation and inadequate solid waste management have led to environmental degradation. One major concern is the contamination of aquatic ecosystems by heavy metals originating from landfill leachate. 'These contaminants threaten marine life and human health through the consumption of polluted seafood. The presence of harmful materials in Sabah's landfills can indeed have an impact on the metal composition in the seafood and marine ecosystem. He said research has shown that leachates from landfills can contaminate nearby water bodies, including rivers, estuaries, and coastal areas. These leachates often contain heavy metals such as lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn). 'Contaminated fish and shellfish samples from coastal areas near landfills have been found to contain Pb, Cd, Cr, Cu, and Zn. Some potential ways in which these harmful materials can affect the metal composition in Sabah's seafood and marine ecosystem: Bioaccumulation: Heavy metals can accumulate in the tissues of marine organisms, such as fish, shellfish, and other invertebrates. This process is known as bioaccumulation, where the concentration of these metals increases with each trophic level. Biomagnification: As these contaminated organisms are consumed by larger predators, the heavy metal concentrations can increase even further through biomagnification. This means that filter feeders such as shellfish, mussels and crabs and also top fish predators like groupers and snappers may have higher levels of these contaminants in their tissues. Altered food web dynamics: The presence of toxic metals can disrupt the delicate balance of the marine ecosystem. For example, changes in species composition and abundance can occur, affecting the overall health and resilience of the ecosystem. Impact on Marine Ecosystems and Seafood 'Heavy metals in marine environments bioaccumulate in organisms and biomagnify up the food chain. Filter feeders such as mussels and oysters, and benthic feeders like groupers and snappers, are particularly vulnerable. Studies have documented elevated metal levels in Sabah's marine biota,' Dr Abentin said. He added that some of the heavy metal concentrations exceeded the permissible level by Food Regulation Malaysia (1985) and the Food and Agriculture Organization in Crassostrea gigas (Tiram), which indicates potential health risks associated with the consumption of this species (Budin et al., 2013). 'Harsono et al. 2017 stated that marsh clams accumulated higher Pb and Zn, whereas green mussels tend to contain higher concentrations of Cr, Cu and Ni from the Marudu Bay of Sabah. Moi (2010) added that all heavy metal levels except manganese in pelagic fish were not significantly different from demersal fish; the total arsenic levels in all fish and fishery product samples and the cadmium levels in dried cuttlefish and scallop were found to exceed the maximum permitted limits by Malaysian Food Regulations 1985 (Moi, 2010). Rosli et al. (2023) stated that consuming fish from the west coast waters of Sabah is deemed safe and has no significant radiological impact on human health. He recommends the establishment of a long-term monitoring system for radionuclide bioaccumulation in fish to gather valuable information for assessing the potential health risks associated with radionuclides in Malaysia, particularly in Sabah. Ling et al. 2023 added that heavy metal content in marine sediments along the northwest coasts of Sabah is within the permissible range. 'However, the higher heavy metal content of Ni and Cr suggests that continual observation and long-term monitoring are significant for the study areas.' Heavy metals can enter the marine food chain through various pathways: Direct ingestion: Fish and other marine organisms may ingest leachates or contaminated sediments. Food web transfer: Contaminated organisms are consumed by larger predators, transferring the toxins up the food chain. Water column deposition: Leachates can settle on the seafloor, where they can be ingested by filter feeders like shellfish. Human Health Risks and Food Safety 'Seafood is a dietary staple in Sabah. Consuming contaminated seafood can pose health risks to humans. Contaminated seafood may not meet food safety standards, posing a risk to human health. 'Chronic exposure to metals through seafood can cause neurological, renal, and cardiovascular issues. 'Vulnerable populations include pregnant women and children, particularly susceptible to methylmercury toxicity. Exposure to toxic metals from consuming fish and shellfish with high levels can lead to exposure to these toxic metals' Current Mitigation and Challenges 'Sabah faces significant challenges in managing its landfill sites. Environmental regulations exist, but enforcement is inconsistent. Community awareness regarding the implications of landfill leachate is also limited. To mitigate these effects, it is essential to address the issue of landfill management and pollution control. This can be achieved through: Proper waste disposal: Implementing effective solid waste management practices to minimize leachate generation. Landfill rehabilitation: Rehabilitating existing landfills to reduce leachate contamination. Monitoring and enforcement: Regular monitoring of water quality and enforcing regulations to prevent pollution. By addressing these concerns, we can help protect Sabah's seafood industry and maintain the health of its marine ecosystem. Recommendations To address the issue of landfill leachates in Sabah's marine ecosystem: Implement effective waste management practices: Properly dispose of hazardous waste and minimize leachate generation. Development of sanitary landfills with leachate treatment systems. Monitor water quality: Regularly monitor water quality parameters to detect potential contamination. Routine monitoring of heavy metal concentrations in seafood and marine waters. Enforce regulations: Enforce laws and regulations related to landfill operation, waste disposal, and water pollution control. Implementation and enforcement of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) Public awareness campaigns: Educate the public about the risks associated with contaminated seafood and promote safe consumption practices. Public education campaigns on the dangers of seafood contamination Support sustainable fishing practices: Promote catch-and-release fishing and encourage fishermen to adopt eco-friendly practices. Research and monitoring: Continuously monitor water quality, leachate generation, and contaminant levels in marine organisms. Heavy metal pollution from landfill leachate presents a growing threat to Sabah's marine ecosystems and public health. Urgent action is required to enhance waste management, enforce environmental rules and policies, and safeguard seafood quality for the population. Furthermore, ongoing observation and long-term monitoring are critical in gathering vital information for assessing the potential health concerns connected with heavy metals in Malaysia, particularly in Sabah.
Daily Express
11-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
‘Repair instead of replace' advice: How Sabahans can reduce and upcycle e-waste materials
Published on: Sunday, May 11, 2025 Published on: Sun, May 11, 2025 By: Audrey J Ansibin Text Size: The Sabah Computer Society team with some of the e-waste items during the collection drive, recently. (Pic: SCS) MALAYSIA'S rapid digitalisation is inadvertently contributing to the rising electronic waste (e-waste) crisis. The status symbol of having the latest gadgets coupled with corporations' Planned Obsolescence practice are driving the rise in prematurely discarded e-waste materials into landfills and dumpsites across the country. News portals were recently abuzz with nationwide crackdown on illegal e-waste sites, dubbed the 'Op Hazard', which involved the police and Department of Environment (DoE), among other agencies. The raids saw RM3.8 billion worth of materials seized from illegal e-waste processing sites. Portals like MM and FMT reported that based on consumers' spending habits, the country is expected to generate some 24.5 million units of e-waste this year. At State-level, the Kota Kinabalu City Hall (DBKK) on April 10 announced a strategic partnership with a non-governmental organisation and two private companies to address the matter. The MoU signing ceremony between DBKK, Marine Research Foundation (MRF), Legenda Bumimas Sdn Bhd (LBSB) and My Protech Sdn Bhd (Arus Oil) will overlook issues like floating plastic bottles in the sea, discarded cooking oil and the rise in e-waste including the deployment of a specialised mechanical boat (skimmer boat) to collect waste from coastal waters. At the event, LBSB Managing Director, Datuk Tan Pek Chian, reportedly said the State needs to have more e-waste collection centres. 'Currently, there are no recovery facilities in Sabah. Most of the time, what we are able to do is manual dismantling to properly sort out the plastic, scrap metal and Printed Circuit Board (PCB),' he was quoted as saying. Daily Express reached out to a non-governmental organisation (NGO) Sabah Computer Society (SCS) and the founder of an environment-friendly social enterprise LJD Corporation to get their take on how Sabahans can help reduce the number of e-waste materials being discarded annually. On the State government's recent announcement to tackle sea trash and e-waste, SCS Exco member-cum-organising chairperson for e-waste collection, Walter Cheng, calls it a 'very good initiative'. 'We have been collaborating with DBKK and DoE in all our e-waste collection events for many years. We started collaborating with Lagenda Bumimas Sdn Bhd in 2023. 'I can see that they (State government) are doing their best to keep our State clean and safe. We will also support our State government in the effort of reducing e-waste. Hopefully, these efforts can lead to a cleaner and safer environment,' Walter said. The society is a NGO that promotes ICT and electronic waste awareness in Sabah. 'We have been doing e-waste collection events for many years. Our aim is to create awareness among the public on e-waste recycling and the proper ways to dispose of e-waste,' Walter said, adding that their role is to organise collection events in collaboration with DoE, DBKK and Lagenda Bumimas. Rest of the interview with SCS: DE: What are some of the initiatives you have with the State government (i.e. DBKK)? Sabah Computer Society (SCS): DBKK provides us the venue to carry out our e-waste collection activities while DoE provides us support to run such events. DE: How often do you do e-waste collection events? Any advice to the general public on how they can help lessen the impact of e-waste on the environment in the State? SCS: Basically, we do it twice a year. But, of course, we will try to do more. There are several ways to help lessen the impact of e-waste on the environment. People can repair instead of replace. If an electronic device breaks down, try to repair it rather than buying a new one. Many small electronics can be fixed with minimal cost. Use certified e-waste recycling centres. When you can no longer use a device, ensure it gets recycled properly by taking it to certified e-waste recycling facilities which we (Sabah Computer Society) are collaborating with Lagenda Bumimas Sdn Bhd. These centres are equipped to handle harmful materials like lead, mercury and cadmium safely. Last but not least, choose energy-efficient products with labels (like Energy Star) to reduce both energy consumption and the lifecycle environmental impact. DE: How would you rate e-waste awareness among Sabahans on a scale of 1-10 (one being worst, 10 being best)? SCS: Probably around eight. DE: What is the difference between e-waste collection site and e-waste processing site? SCS: The difference is that for a collection site, we can only do collections and cannot dismantle the waste that is collected whereas the processing site is the factory that can dismantle and process the electronic waste. In Sabah, Lagenda Bumimas Sdn Bhd carry out the process of recycling e-waste. Their factories are based in Telipok. Millennial upcycles e-waste materials into tourism products Meanwhile, LJD Corporation founder Saila Saidie, who was recently featured in the Shell LiveWIRE entrepreneurship programme, expressed her pleasant surprise to learn about such initiatives from the State government. Her organisation's mission aims to transform plastic waste, which can take up to 500 years to decompose, into innovative tourism products and strives to mitigate the environmental impact of plastic waste while driving socio-economic development in the State. Besides plastic waste, Saila and her team also come across discarded e-waste materials like failed 3D prints at the Kayu Madang landfill, which they skilfully upcycle into reusable tourism products. 'In Sabah, more public education is needed. While some awareness campaigns exist, many people are still unaware of the dangers of e-waste and how to dispose of it responsibly,' she said in an interview. When asked to explain e-waste in laymen's terms, she said: 'E-waste, or electronic waste, refers to discarded electronic devices like laptops, mobile phones and home appliances. 'These items contain various toxic components, including heavy metals and plastics, which, if not disposed of properly, can release harmful substances into the environment. 'For example, PVC plastic, commonly used in cable insulation and older electronic casings, is difficult to recycle due to toxic additives. When burned, it releases carcinogenic dioxins, which pose severe health risks to humans and wildlife.' She also spoke about the authorities' recent nationwide crackdown on illegal e-waste sites that are reportedly linked to international syndicates. How do these syndicates benefit from illegal operations? 'These syndicates profit by extracting valuable metals such as gold, silver and copper from e-waste using unsafe methods. 'The illegal operations often exploit cheap labour in developing countries, exposing workers to hazardous substances without proper safety measures. 'I recall reading about a case in Teluk Panglima Garang, where authorities discovered 50 tonnes of spent bullet casings in an illegal e-waste facility. Such operations pose both environmental and security risks,' she added. Saila believes that Malaysia is facing a 'significant' e-waste crisis. 'The problem is only growing. While there are efforts to recycle and upcycle e-waste, they are not widespread enough,' she said. 'Many consumers still do not know how to properly dispose of their electronic waste, leading to improper disposal that harms the environment.' She said based on the more recent figures, reports indicate that the Sabah DoE collected some 191,636kg of e-waste materials between 2016 and 2022. 'This effort highlights the importance of proper disposal and awareness campaigns. E-waste is regulated under the Environmental Quality (Scheduled Waste) Regulations 2005. 'Improper disposal can lead to toxic chemicals leaching into the soil and water, endangering human health and biodiversity. Rest of the interview with Saila: DE: What is the best way to raise awareness about e-waste recycling? SS: Education is key. Public awareness campaigns, workshops, and community engagement programs should be actively promoted. Some businesses in Sabah are already buying broken electronics for refurbishment or recycling, and this initiative should be supported at a larger scale. Government bodies, NGOs, and social enterprises like LJD Corporation can play a crucial role in spreading awareness. DE: How does LJD Corporation contribute to e-waste recycling? Do you upcycle e-waste materials? SS: LJD Corporation focuses on plastic waste recycling, but we also address e-waste issues, especially when it intersects with plastic waste. For example, we upcycle failed 3D prints that contain electronic components. Most of the failed prints we process are made of Polylactic Acid (PLA), a biodegradable thermoplastic derived from renewable sources like corn starch. Additionally, we have observed our beneficiaries at the Kayu Madang landfill collecting wire cables to extract copper for resale, highlighting an informal e-waste recycling economy. DE: Your organisation trains underprivileged individuals in upcycling discarded materials. What positive impact has this initiative created? SS: Our workshops and training programmes have empowered communities by providing them with alternative sources of income. For instance, we conducted a workshop for 50 youths in Kampung Puyut, Lahad Datu, teaching them how to collect and repurpose plastic waste. We also worked with SK Kitapol near Ranau, a rural school, where students learned to upcycle plastic waste using a heat press technique. However, sustaining these efforts requires continuous funding and support. We hope government agencies will step in to help expand these programs. DE: How does e-waste impact humans and the environment? SS: E-waste contains hazardous substances like lead, mercury and cadmium. When improperly disposed of, these toxins contaminate air, water, and soil, leading to health risks such as respiratory issues, neurological damage, and even cancer. Additionally, e-waste contributes to resource depletion, as valuable materials that could be recycled are lost. DE: What should consumers avoid when discarding e-waste? SS: Never throw e-waste into regular trash. Avoid burning or dismantling electronics at home, as it releases toxic chemicals. Instead, take them to certified e-waste collection points or recycling centres. DE: One of the root causes of e-waste is rapid technological innovation, leading to premature device disposal. Do you think big tech companies will change this practice? SS: This practice, known as Planned Obsolescence, is a profit-driven strategy where companies design products with limited lifespan or software compatibility to force consumers into upgrading. I have experienced this firsthand with built-in, non-replaceable batteries in laptops. However, there is hope – movements advocating for the Right to Repair and sustainable design are gaining traction. In the future, AI and emerging technology may reduce reliance on physical devices, but for now, stricter regulations and consumer awareness are essential. DE: How can consumers be more environmentally conscious before upgrading their devices? SS: Repair before replacing. Many devices can be fixed with minor repairs or battery replacements. If an upgrade is necessary, consider donating or selling the old device to extend its lifecycle. DE: As a millennial, do you think your peers are environmentally conscious regarding e-waste? SS: Some are, but many still chase the latest gadgets as status symbols. Awareness is improving, but there is still a long way to go. DE: How can this generation lead an e-waste recycling movement? SS: By taking proactive steps such as learning to repair electronics, repurposing old components, and advocating for better recycling infrastructure. Small actions, like encouraging responsible disposal within their communities, can make a big difference. DE: Does Sabah have a long way to go before recycling becomes a common practice? SS: Yes. Compared to Kuala Lumpur, where recycling habits are more established, Sabah still has a lot of ground to cover. Many people are aware of recycling but do not actively practice it. However, initiatives like Kota Kinabalu City Hall's plastic bag ban have shown positive results. For example, our beneficiaries at the Kayu Madang landfill reported seeing fewer small plastic bags since the ban was enforced. More policies like this can drive behavioural change. Those interested to learn more about Saila's environmental outreach initiatives can visit her official website at Next: Heavy metal contamination in Sabah's marine ecosystem and landfill leachate
Daily Express
27-04-2025
- General
- Daily Express
Book gives voice to British North Borneo war victims: ‘Ultimate Sacrifice' author speaks with DE
Published on: Sunday, April 27, 2025 Published on: Sun, Apr 27, 2025 By: Audrey J Ansibin Text Size: Easter 1905: Sacred Heart School students with Fr Henri van der Heijden, founder of Jesselton Mission and Headmaster of the school. (Pic: Philippe Funk / MHM Archives) THE generations born after World War 2 (WWII) – baby boomers, Gen X and millennials – in Sabah would occasionally hear 'ghost stories' centred around the brutal Japanese Occupation from their elders. Due to the one-sided accounts of the Japanese atrocities in the national history schoolbook syllabus, most Sabahans are in the dark about the depths of the cruelty inflicted on the Allied forces, civilians and missionaries in British North Borneo (now Sabah) under the hands of the Japanese military, at the time led by Lt Gen Masao Baba, sometime in 1945. Like most countries, the Malaysian government opted for a cordial relationship with the Japanese government, after the war, hence, downplaying the need for a sincere apology from the Japanese side towards the war victims and their families in British North Borneo. For the victims, retelling their traumatic past in the form of 'ghost stories' was probably their coping mechanism. In this context, it was not uncommon to hear the WWII generation telling stories about 'encounters' with restless spirits of fallen Japanese soldiers or their victims. But as the generation that experienced or witnessed the Japanese atrocities firsthand are quickly fading into history themselves, so do the echoes of Japanese 'ghostly encounters'. That is, until an unlikely advocate for the wartime voiceless spoke up in the form of a book, aptly-titled, ' Ultimate Sacrifice: The Tragic and Unaccounted Death of Catholic Missionaries in North Borneo Towards the End of WWII'. Dubbed the priest with the skill of a detective and determination of an advocate, the globe-trotting Rev Fr Cosmas Lee took 15 years to uncover the untold truths of the war crimes and what really happened to the victims. According to the author, while 'Ultimate Sacrifice' focuses on Monsignor August Wachter, his eight colleagues and their three local aides' last hours, it also provides information 'on the top Japanese military and civil leaders involved in atrocities against civilians in North Borneo' and 'helps the general readers to know the why, and how illegal orders for executions were taken and carried out during the last three months of the War'. As a 48-year veteran priest, the rector of St Simon Catholic Church Likas launched his book on March 15, this year, in the company of friends, family and distinguished guests at the Likas parish hall. The moniker, 'detective priest', was coined by historian Datuk Prof Danny Wong Tze Ken, who himself has authored many books in Malaysia. He called the 'Ultimate Sacrifice' a 'page-turner' and reading it is like following the detective on a journey to unravel a 'crime investigation'. The books sold out in two days. The public can expect 500 copies in a month or two, according to the author. Prof Danny, addressing the 155 attendees in his speech, candidly told Archbishop Datuk John Wong, the head of the Catholic Archdiocese of Kota Kinabalu, that if Fr Cosmas didn't answer his call to become a priest, he would have been a 'great detective and rights advocate'. In this second part of the Special Report on the 'Ultimate Sacrifice', Daily Express got up close and personal with the author himself. Below is the interview with Fr Cosmas: DAILY EXPRESS (DE): In your presentation during the book launching ceremony, you listed several reasons behind the motive of writing 'Ultimate Sacrifice'. Do you remember the lightbulb moment when you first felt the pull towards the idea of writing it? What triggered you and do you think it's a mission 'from above'? Like many great saints that have passed, they, too, were known to pen many bestsellers that are still well-read among today's generation. Fr Cosmas: I had always felt strongly that it was not fair that we knew next to nothing about how the missionary victims vanished. Then, not too long ago, there emerged a written account that stated categorically that the victims were killed by an Allied bomb. That was the last straw. I set off on the gruesome journey to find the truth. DE: How do you think the book will help Sabahans in general, not just the Catholics? Fr Cosmas: The book is important for providing information, much of which, for the first time, on the top Japanese military and civil leaders involved in atrocities against civilians in North Borneo and their rationale for it, and so helps the general readers to know the why, and how illegal orders for executions were taken and carried out during the last three months of the War. DE: When Sabahans (especially Catholics) are more aware of the unaccounted brutality of the Japanese military during WWII in North Borneo, some people may feel a certain way towards the Japanese. For those unaware, what were some of the measures taken by the Japanese government to express remorse for the suffering caused on the victims and their families during the Japanese Occupation? Fr Cosmas: As far as I am aware, the Japanese government has not made any public apologies to the British North Borneo government, or the Malaysian government, or to family and friends of victims of Japanese atrocities. However, I have heard from several families who were visited by Japanese veterans after the war, who brought small tokens and gifts to families of victims they visited. Many Borneo veterans were deeply involved in propagating against war in Japan after the war. The most outstanding was Yamada Setsuo. He was elected to the Upper House of the Diet, and eventually became the Mayor of Hiroshima from 1967-1975. As a zealous proponent of world peace, he addressed the world and strove for lasting peace by working for the abolition of nuclear arms and the complete cessation of nuclear testing. In 1969 he received the Hammarskjold Memorial International Peace Award. Having himself experienced the horrors of war, he seems to have spent the last half of his life working for world peace DE: Despite having an example of WWII, why do people not learn from history – that no party win in wars? Just look at the ongoing wars in Ukraine, Russia, Gaza and Israel. Not to mention the almost-forgotten civil wars or sectarian violence in the Africas, Middle East and closer to our shores, Myanmar, Thailand and Philippines. Fr Cosmas: Sadly, it seems human beings need war in the sense that they will not learn that there are no winners in any war, unless they are actually shattered in a war, no matter on which side they stand. DE: Did you come up with the title and subtitle of the book? Did it come naturally or was it a painstaking process? Did you have other titles in mind? Can you name some of them and how the book title made the final cut? Fr Cosmas: When the draft of the book was nearly completed, it took me a while to decide on its title and subtitle. There were no other alternatives to consider seriously. DE: Speaking of 'ultimate sacrifice', do you feel like you've sacrificed much throughout the making of the book as well? Fr Cosmas: Nothing compared with what the victims sacrificed, but it did give me the privilege to journey with them and to feel with and for them. DE: If you believe it was a 'mission from above', did you find you were spiritually challenged? Christians believe that in the events culminating to Good Friday, Jesus Christ faced many temptations from the devil to stop Him from fulfilling His mission. Did you feel the same way in the process of writing the book? Fr Cosmas: I only knew that nothing would stop me from completing the task of finding the truth. I believe this call is from above. DE: How difficult was it to source the resources for your book? Can you describe briefly what were some of the challenges that you faced? Fr Cosmas: This was my first book. Just to have a clearer idea of where the relevant documents could be found in Japan, Australia, the UK, Austria, Italy, and South Tyrol, took some reading and research. I wrote to most of these archives directly, but many of my learned friends from all over the world generously assisted. DE: Some of your sources were through interviews with witnesses or the victims' descendants/relatives. How receptive were they when you took the time to interview them? You also interviewed the Wachters and visited their family home. Were they aware you're writing a book about the late Monsignor and how you're investigating his and his peers' untimely demise? What did they think of it? Fr Cosmas: Most of those I interviewed, including those overseas, were done at the very early stage of my plan to write a book. Those overseas, including relatives of Msgr. Wachter and other victims were very helpful, wanting the story of their beloved ones to be better known. Of course, I was persistent, often emailing them after the interview, asking for more details on some of the information. In Sabah, I interviewed the same persons several times, often repeating the same questions, just to be sure they were not giving me a 'spiced-up' or hearsay version of their accounts. DE: If yes, did they also receive a copy of the 'Ultimate Sacrifice'? Have they given a feedback on the book yet? Fr Cosmas: The key persons interviewed received a complimentary copy of the book. A number have read the book from cover to cover, and given very positive comments. DE: Prof Danny Wong mentioned in his speech during the 'Ultimate Sacrifice' book launching ceremony that for the average person, they would have already given up if the writing process took them 15 years to complete. Besides your 'stubborn' trait, what other factors urged you on to finish the book, besides to unravel the mystery surrounding the possible 'coverup' of the real cause of death of the victims? Fr Cosmas: Having struggled to be a faithful priest for 48 years, perseverance in doing what I believe is a God-given gift and a formed habit. DE: Prof Danny called you a 'good detective'. Do you consider yourself as such? Fr Cosmas: I think I was simply being strictly scientific and thorough in my investigation. Professor Danny Wong captured that, and aptly called me a 'good detective'. I am grateful he used the term. It sticks in people's mind. DE: Prof Danny mentioned that you should also try editing the late Monsignor August Wachter's diary. Are you considering it? Fr Cosmas: I am. I only pray I will be fit enough physically and mentally to complete it. DE: What are some of the interesting entries that you're aware of that are in Monsignor Wachter's diary? Fr Cosmas: Too many to mention here, but the Diary reveals a lot of the inner person of Msgr. Wachter. DE: The first printing of your books sold out by the next day of the book launching. It was very well-received by the community. When do you expect the second batch of books to be ready for those interested to have their hands on it? Fr Cosmas: A reprint of 500 copies is in progress. We expect to receive them in about a month or two. DE: How did you come across the story of Ain and Yamazaki Kenji? In your book, you mentioned that their memoir even hit the big screens in Japan. Why were the Japanese so entranced by the couple's story? Yamazaki, the former District Officer of Keningau and Jesselton during the Japanese Occupation, claimed in the 'Southern Cross Never Deceives' memoir that the Japanese military executed the missionaries. Why should readers believe this allegation? Since it was a bestseller among the Japanese, is it safe to assume that they believe his side of the story as well? Fr Cosmas: Most Japanese readers read Yamazaki Ain's memoir as a romance novel, and wouldn't be bothered to know where North Borneo was. I think virtually all Japanese North Borneo veterans would have read it too. I have not been able to find out what their reaction was, if there was any. I would think they chose to be silent and not open wider the big can of worms. Yamazaki Kenji and Ain emigrated to Brazil soon after the publication of the book. DE: How did you find your Japanese translator who helped you make sense the rest of the memoir, which is in a language completely foreign to you? Fr Cosmas: My Japanese friend and I worked on the book for over 15 years. We were constantly emailing each other, often a few times a day during many periods. The main story of the book didn't take long to get across to me since we were constantly seeing how Ain/Kenji looked at so many other events during the war. DE: Any words of advice to aspiring writers in Sabah? Fr Cosmas: Read the book. You can be a writer, too. Note from the Editor: All photos republished with permission from Rev Fr Cosmas Lee
