ROMPIN: The Health Ministry will proceed with its study on the source of illnesses in Bukit Koman without the involvement of the anti-cyanide movement, said its minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai.

He said it was because the Ban Cyanide in Gold Mining Action Committee had yet to send its list of experts to the ministry.

"We cannot wait any longer. I have directed my officers to expedite the study so the issue can be put to rest. We all want to know the root of the problem and help the patients if they are really affected by the currently unknown source of the illness," said Liow after chairing the Pahang MCA exco meeting here Saturday.

He said the anti-cyanide group had also not given its list of 383 names of allegedly sick patients to the ministry.

"Health Ministry officials have been asked to go door-to-door in Bukit Koman to conduct medical tests on the residents. We will also try to obtain support from the World Health Organisation.

"The study will be transparent so the anti-cyanide group cannot create any doubt and question the results. I hope it can be concluded by the end of the year because it cannot be dragged any longer," he said.

- The Star