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Raub Australian Gold Mining (RAGM) has initiated three defamation suits against three members of the Ban Cyanide Action Group (BCAC)
The present lawsuits were filed on behalf of RAGB by its lawyers, Messrs Zul Rafique & Partners.
In the suits, the company is seeking general, exemplary, and also aggravated damages for “libel and malicious falsehood”, apart from an injunction against the individuals from speaking about the companies’ activities any further.
Malaysiakini
Raub Australian Gold Mining (RAGM) has initiated three defamation suits against three members of the Ban Cyanide Action Group (BCAC), which has been critical of the company’s gold mining in Bukit Koman, Raub, Pahang.
Three statements of claim have been sent to BCAC’s chairperson Wong Kim Hoong, vice-chairperson Hue Shieh Lee, and secretary Hue Fui How.
RGAB is claiming that the individuals have committed defamation through their statements made in two news articles that were published in both Malaysiakini and Free Malaysia Today (FMT).
RGAB has previously filed defamation suits against both Malaysiakini and FMT, insisting that allegations that sodium cyanide used for gold extraction was hazardous to Bukit Koman residents are unsubstantiated.
The present lawsuits were filed on behalf of RAGB by its lawyers, Messrs Zul Rafique & Partners.
Raub gold mine sues 3 anti-cyanide activists
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For more information on the fund-raising, members of the public can contact 019-2782859 or email to bancyanide@gmail.com.
Malaysiakini
‘RM10 to Save Raub’ drive launched to raise RM100k
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12:25PM Sep 11, 2012 |
The Ban Cyanide Action Committee (BCAC), an ad hoc organisation spearheading the movement, announced on its Facebook webpage that it has raised RM15,000.
“The committee had a brief meeting after giving statement in Raub district police station, and decided to bring this movement to the next level.
“Please support the ‘RM10 to Save Raub’ campaign for a safer, healthier and greener homeland. We aim to raise RM100,000 for legal costs and technical researches,” it said.
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For more information on the fund-raising, members of the public can contact 019-2782859 or email to bancyanide@gmail.com.
“We do not appoint any other agent or individual to raise fund on behalf of BCAC,” the committee added.
RM10 to Save Raub’ drive launched to raise RM100k
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Himpunan Hijau Raub 2 September 2012 Dataran Raub
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Malaysian Insider
Activists lose last court battle in bid to block Raub gold mine
By Lisa J. Ariffin and Roznah A.J.
September 06, 2012
PUTRAJAYA, Sept 6 — Raub activists today lost in the Federal Court their last bid for a judicial review of the government-approved Preliminary Environmental Impact Assessment (PEIA) report submitted by Raub Australian Gold Mining SB, a week after thousands of people marched in the small Pahang town to protest the use of cyanide by the miner.
Raub was the focus of last weekend’s Himpunan Hijau amid growing unhappiness with the Australian miner’s operations. Residents have complained that the use of cyanide has given rise to a number of health complaints although this has been denied by the authorities.
Today, a five-man Federal Court panel led by Court of Appeals president Tan Sri Raus Sharif dismissed the leave application for judicial review brought by the Ban Cyanide in Gold Mining Action Committee on grounds the group had delayed its application and merit was not warranted in extended time.
“We have deliberated on this appeal, and we have unanimously decided… There is no ground to disturb findings of courts below,” Raus said.
“We answer the questions in the negative,” he added.
Activists lose last court battle in bid to block Raub gold mine
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Malaysiakini
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The police have recorded statements from three individuals in connection with Himpunan Hijau Raub which took place on Sunday.
The trio are organising committee chairperson Wong Kim Hoong, his vice-chairperson Tengku Shahadan Tengku Jaafar and M Raju, the aide to Tras state assemblyperson Chong Siew Onn.
They were present at the Raub police station at around 12.30pm and only left three hours later.
According to M Raju, the police’s investigation was focussed on the attendance of several children below 15-years-old at the rally and the march.
“The police said we have violated two conditions of the gathering as we are not allowed to bring kids below 15-years-old and also because we march ed from the rally venue.
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Raju said the police did not reveal what law is being applied on the trio but did indicate that they will submit initial findings to the attorney-general’s chambers before taking further action.
Two others – Bukit Koman Anti-Cyanide Committee members Sherly Hue and Chong Choy Yen – are sought by the police.
They will have their statements recorded on Saturday because they are currently out of town.
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Cops quiz trio over Raub rally
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This will be the last chance for the Bukit Koman, Raub residents to seek justice through legal channel. Therefore, we urge the public to support us on Sept 6 (Thursday) , 9am at Palace of Justice, Putrajaya. We hope to see you there!
Malaysia Chronicle
Tuesday, 04 September 2012 16:00
Sept 6 D-Day for Raub residents: Court to hear review agst ‘cyanide’ goldmine
Written by Wong Kin Hoong, Sherly Hue
Himpunan Hijau Raub (FHHR) and Ban Cyanidei n Gold Mineing Action Committee (BCAC) was encouraged by the turn out of 15,000 people from all walks of life at the peaceful Green Gathering held in Raub last Sunday @2 September 2012.
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Sept 6 D-Day
Although the gathering is a success, and we had voice out our strong objection against the use of cyanide and other hazardous chemical compounds in extracting the gold which will continue to harm the health of the residents and pollute our living environment, but our struggle has not end yet.
The Federal Court will hear the appeal of leave application of judicial review brought by the Committee on Sept 6 2012, to seek review of the Department of Environment’s approval of the Preliminary Environmental Impact Assessment report submitted by Raub Australian Gold Mining SB (RAGM).
On 2009, The High Court dismissed the leave application for judicial review with the ground that the residents were out of time to apply for judicial review. On 2011, the committee appealed to Court of Appeal but the Court of Appeal upheld the decision of High Court. The Committee then decided to appeal to Federal Court and was granted leave to appeal.
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On 11 Jan 2012, a three-man Federal Court panel chaired by the Chief Judge of Sabah and Sarawak Tan Sri Richard Malanjum allowed the residents’ application for leave to appeal against the High Court’s decision. The appeal will be heard by the Federal Court on 6 September 2012.
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Read the whole article:
Sept 6 D-Day for Raub residents: Court to hear review agst ‘cyanide’ goldmine
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Malaysia Chronicle
Sunday, 02 September 2012 18:42
More than 10,000 at Raub protest: Najib can’t even manage Pahang, what more M’sia?
Written by Stan Lee, Malaysia Chronicle
More than 10,000 people began a march from the Raub sports complex in Pahang to the nearby Bukit Koman goldmine they alleged has been using cyanide to the detriment of their health.
The huge size of the crowd, which gathered spontaneously and voluntarily, signals the strength of public unhappiness at the manner in which Prime Minister Najib Razak has been accused of allowing hazardous industries to mushroom, even in his home state.
“The issue here is the use of cyanide and this complaint has been going on since 2007. There are now 2 major hotspots in Pahang that Naib must stand accountable for – the Lynas rare earth refinery and the Bukt Koman goldmine. If he cannot manage his own home state, no wonder the federal government and the economy are going to the dogs,” PKR MP for Kuantan Fuziah Salleh told Malaysia Chronicle.
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More than 10,000 at Raub protest: Najib can’t even manage Pahang, what more M’sia?
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Free Malaysia Today
Pahang MB, Raub MP invited to join protest
Protesters want Adnan Yaakob and Dr Ng Yen Yen to be present when they hand over a memorandum to representatives of a mining company in Bukit Koman.
PETALING JAYA: The Himpunan Hijau Raub committee has invited Pahang Menteri Besar Adnan Yaakob and Raub MP Dr Ng Yen Yen to attend their peaceful protest against an Australian company in Bukit Koman.
“We also them to participate in the rally and listen to our reasons and objections against Raub Australia Gold Mine cyanide gold-mining.
“We have reserved two seats for both elected representatives and hope they will not leave the seats vacant,” said the organising secretariat which is made up of Himpunan Hijau Raub and Pahang Raub Ban Cyanide in Gold Mining Action Committee (BCAC) in a press statement today.
The protest against Raub Australian Gold Mine Sdn Bhd (RAGM) is scheduled to be held tomorrow from 2pm to 4pm at Padang Kompleks Sukan, Jalan Bukit Koman.
Around 20,000 protest participants are expected to be protesting for the closure of the gold mine because they claim that the usage of cyanide by RAGM is the root cause for their health ailments.
The committee in assuring that the protest would be peaceful said that they would not tolerate any violence.
“Civilian arrest will be carried out against provocateurs.
“If anyone detects trouble-makers’ presence, please call for volunteers’ assistance and civilian arrest will be made and the will be handed over to the police for further action,” said the secretaria
Pahang MB, Raub MP invited to join protest
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Gold is mined today by the Raub Australian Gold Mining Sdn Bhd in Bukit Koman near Raub, Pahang.
Opposing the gold mine is the Pahang Raub Anti-Cyanide Gold Mining Committee.
The anti-goldmine movement claims that cyanide is used, thus cvausing poisoning.
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Malaysiakini
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5:57PM Sep 1, 2012 |
A total of 60 NGOs have thrown in their support behind tomorrow’s Raub rally protesting of the use of cyanide in gold mining at Bukit Koman.
In a joint statement issued today by the Pahang Raub Ban Cyanide in Gold Miining (BCAC) and some 34 other NGOs, they claim that the local mining facility employing toxic cyanide has led to increased incidents of skin diseases, eye irritation, coughing and general unease since operations commenced in 2009.
“The plant is situated very close to the Bukit Koman New Village. The distance between mine and the closest house occupied by villagers is a mere 100m.
“Those who are relatively well off and could no longer bear the sufferings eventually moved out from Bukit Koman, leaving behind mostly elderly persons and children,” the statement read.
This endorsement follows the Tuesday pledge of support from some 24 youth and environmental organisations.
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Tomorrow’s Raub rally wins support of 60 NGOs
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Malaysia Chronicle
Saturday, 01 September 2012 14:38
Group in defence of Bukit Koman villagers laments govt leaders’ silence
Environmental pressure group Himpunan Hijau has lamented the silence from government leaders over the protest among residents of Bukit Koman against a gold mining company which is said to have links with MCA.
“It really feels like we are living in a country without a government. The voices calling for help is so loud and clear, not since yesterday but since 2006! Where are our leaders?
“Where are you Ng Yen Yen, as a people representative of that area?
“Where are you Liow Tiong Lai, as the Minister of Health?” asked Wong Tack, who heads the movement’s steering committee. Yen Yen, the Tourism minister, is the member of parliament for Raub, where Bukit Koman with a population of 300 families, is located.
In a statement urging Malaysians to gather for the alternative Merdeka celebration at Dataran Merdeka tonight, as well as for a peaceful protest against the demolition of heritage buildings in Jalan Sultan, Kuala Lumpur, the group said the plight of the villagers in Bukit Koman and their fight against cyanide pollution must not be forgotten.
“The issue faced by the Bukit Koman community is not only an environmental issue but a serious issue of humanity. No one should add more millions to their billions at the expense of people’s health and suffering,” it added.
Wong Tack also called on Yen Yen and Liow to resign if they failed to help the residents.
Himpunan Hijau has been preparing for its ‘Green Rally’ at the Raub sports complex field this Sunday to highlight the Bukit Koman affair. In February, the group held a major rally against Australian rare-earth refinery Lynas in Kuantan, and its supporters turned up in thousands in Kuala Lumpur on April 28 on the sideline of the Bersih 3.0 rally.
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Harakahdaily
Group in defence of Bukit Koman villagers laments govt leaders’ silence
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Malaysiakini
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A Health Ministry medical team has found that 60 of the 200 residents who had sought treatment last weekend in Bukit Koman, Raub, are suffering from “minor skin problems”.
Dr Lokman Hakim Sulaiman, the deputy director-general of health, cited feedback to say that some residents require further treatment.
He warned the media not to “sensationalise” the figure, threatening to withhold comment in future if they do not comply.
The medical team comprising 15 health experts and supporting staff had provided the medical services, and additional services are scheduled after Hari Raya, he said.
Lokman was addressing a press conference at the ministry, after chairing a three-hour meeting with the Raub anti-cyanide committee, which is spearheading objections to the gold-mining operations near Bukit Koman.
The meeting was to discuss the setting up of a joint research team comprising expert investigators from both the ministry and the committee. Also discussed were the team’s scope of work and research protocols.
Lokman said the team has been set up to determine the real cause of health-related complaints, so that there will no longer be disputes over this.
While the government is not ignoring the health-related issues, he said the contributory factors could be just about anything.
“When we are dealing with environmental issues, pollutants can come from anywhere….let’s be open about this. It might not even be cyanide, it might be other things. It might be a transboundary factor, we don’t know.
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Anti-cyanide committee vice-president Shirley Hue said the group’s resources are limited in locating expert investigators.
“What we need are environmental chemists, epidemiologists and public health experts,” she told reporters.
While the committee will attempt to contact personnel locally and abroad, she urged experts to help the residents.
Hue also said the committee’s stand remains clear – it wants the gold mine closed, regardless of the outcome of the research.
Skin problems found among Bukit Koman residents
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Life above profit!我们呼籲所有马来西亚同胞，不分族群、宗教、政治背景，一起站出来参加订於2012年9月2日的劳勿绿色集会。让我们一齐共襄盛举，以和平集会的方式进行人权及环境正义的抗争。
生命凌驾于利益！
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Sundaily
MOH to meet Bukit Koman residents on cyanide poisoning claims
Last updated on 9 August 2012 – 10:31am
Pauline Wong
newsdesk@thesundaily.com
PETALING JAYA (Aug 8, 2012): The Health Ministry will meet with Bukit Koman residents next Monday to discuss the next course of action to resolve their claims of cyanide poisoning from a nearby gold mine.
Health deputy director-general Datuk Dr Lokman Hakim Sulaiman told theSun today the meeting with the Pahang Raub Anti-Cyanide Gold Mining Committee would discuss the protocols and methodology for a full-fledged joint study into their health complaints. “However, we are still waiting for the committee to give us the names of their investigators to join the study.”
The committee had in June submitted a memorandum to the ministry demanding that the use of cyanide in the gold mine be stopped.
It cited a random survey which showed that almost 80% of residents living in Bukit Koman suffered from skin diseases, respiratory problems and eye irritation, ostensibly from the sodium cyanide used by the facility, which is located 200 metres away.
The ministry said in a statement on Friday it found that the presence of illnesses among residents were within normal range. However, it announced that a joint research team had been formed to investigate the claims of health problems.
Health Ministry Disease Control director Dr Chong Chee Keong, when contacted, said the ministry will conduct a full survey immediately in order to swiftly resolve the residents’ woes, and has drawn up a study proposal.
MOH to meet Bukit Koman residents on cyanide poisoning claims
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Free Malaysia Today
Cyanide poisoning in Bukit Koman?
Worried residents in gold-mining Bukit Koman village are demanding that the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment act immediately on a memorandum which they submitted in June 2009.
RAUB: A random health survey conducted in May 2012 on 338 Bukit Koman residents in Raub, Pahang, which incidentally is the parliamentary constituency of MCA’s Dr Ng Yen Yen, has shown-up disturbing and alarming results.
Some 50% of the residents suffered from skin diseases and eye irritations while another 40% experienced incessant coughing spells.
Also noted was the fact that there were eight cases of cancer among the respondents and that 35% of those interviewed suffered from such complaints as giddiness and lethargy.
The cause, the residents believe, is a revived gold mine barely a few hundred metres from the Bukit Koman village.
Bukit Koman is a small village of 300 families. Most of the villagers are descendants of miners from Raub, the town just next to the village, once known as the ‘gold capital’ of then Malaya.
With the resurgence of gold price, the Raub Australian Gold Mining (RAGM) company began a multi-million dollar operation using a new method to extract gold from tailings left behind from decades of conventional mining.
Herein lies the problem.
In 2008, the Bukit Koman Action Committee Against the Use of Cyanide in Mining of Gold collected 10,000 signatures voicing their objections to the usage of cyanide in the mining facility.
They also mounted a legal challenge to stop the operations in their request for a judicial review of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).
But their application was quashed last year.
www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/…in-bukit–koman – Cached
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Protest in 2009 on 3 March
About 500 villagers of Bukit Koman gathered at 3pm on March 8, 2009 protesting the use of cyanide by Raub Australian Gold Mining Sdn Bhd (RAGM).
The Hakka community living in the new village in Raub complained of foul smell since mid-February and alleged that many villagers are falling sick. They believed the company has started using cyanide in its gold extraction despite the on-going court case at the KL High Court challenging the approval of the 10-year-old Environmenal Impact Assessment report of the project.
Led by their state assemblyman YB Choong Siew Onn (ADUN Tras), the villagers’ attempt to march to the site about 400 meter away from the Bukit Koman main street was halted by police as there was no police permit for the gathering.
After some haggling with the police, some villagers bypassed the police block by using a lane among the houses and got to the RAGM entrance and held a short protest there while police personnel looked on.
The protest ended in an hour with Choong being ordered to give a police statement at the Raub police station.
Shot By Citizen Against Destructive Development
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For information about the owners of the gold mine, click on:
anilnetto.com/governance/accountability/raub–gold-mining… – Cached
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For a brief history of goldmining in Raub, click on the link below
www.nst.com.my/nation/general/…the-raub–gold–mine-1.85720 – Cached
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