Nine workers from a Sime Darby plantation in Kinabatangan were rushed to the hospital after inhaling pesticide while fertilising oil palm trees this morning.

According to Kinabatangan fire station chief Azlan Shah Jamalludin said a team from the station arrived at Ladang Sentosa at around 5.30pm, more than two hours after receiving a distress call.

“Upon arrival, we were informed that the victims were exposed to carbosulfan pesticide while working on the 20-acre plantation at 9am,” Azlan said in a statement today.

As of 8.49pm, eight of the victims have been discharged from Kinabatangan Hospital’s emergency unit. One worker remains hospitalised and is still undergoing treatment, but is reported to be in stable condition.

All victims were sent to the hospital by members of the public before firefighters arrived at the scene.

Azlan said firefighters secured the area by installing barriers to prevent further risks and advised the plantation management to ensure workers use proper protective equipment (PPE) when handling hazardous substances.

The operation, led by PBK II Jasmani Osni, was wrapped up by 6.40pm.

The Kinabatangan fire station deployed six personnel in one fire engine to the scene. – January 11, 2025.