KOTA KINABALU: The state's Environmental Protection Department (EPD) is investigating an alleged pollution incident at a northern Kudat beach adjacent to a silica sand mining operation.

       However, Tourism, Culture and Environment Datuk Christina Liew said that initial finding was that the "darkish brown" pollutants were from a natural pond outside the mining area that had flowed into the white sand beach.

       She said the EPD probe indicated that the water overflowed from a natural pond that drained into the sea due to heavy rain.

       "According to the department, the 'dark water' may be a normal characteristic of the water in that particular area because of the soil type and its proximity to the mangrove area.

       "I was informed by the EPD director (Vitalis Moduying) that this is the natural colour of the water even before the sand mining project started.

       "However, the EPD will further investigate the situation," Liew said Tuesday (July 25) when asked about the pollution on the beach which raised concerns among the public who shared photos on social media groups.

       Liew said that the public wanted to know whether the "water overflow" was a slush runoff from the natural pond due to heavy rain or whether it had something to do with the mining activity nearby.

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       Sabah Environmental Protection Association (SEPA) president Alexander Yee said that they were also informed about the possible pollution at the beach in Kudat's Sikuati area.

       He said that environmental groups in the area had also checked on the alleged "pollution" and found that it was naturally occurring and nothing to do with the mining operations.

       "It was already there even before the mining operations started (about a year ago)," Yee added.

       The water from the natural drain overflowed on the beach area and dried up leaving a dark patch on the sandy white beach.