Plantation workers and two non-governmental groups have reacted strongly to the government's statement that it is considering lifting its ban on the deadly weedkiller, paraquat.

A delegation of representatives from Pesticide Action Network Asia and the Pacific (PAN-AP) and Tenaganita took their case to members of Parliament today.

They were accompanied by some 20 women workers, only two of whom were allowed into the building.

The delegation outlined their objections in a joint memorandum to Agriculture and Agro-based Industries Minister Muhiyiddin Yassin, who has been quoted as saying that the government was mulling a decision following an appeal by smallholders and key industry players.

At a press conference at the Parliament lobby today, MPs Chong Eng (DAP-Bukit Mertajam) and Salahuddin Ayub (PAS-Kubang Kerian) met with the delegation and urged the government not to lift the ban.

Chong Eng said the government should listen to the people as paraquat has proven dangerous to the safety of workers.

"Human lives should be deemed to be more important than economic savings," she said.

Statement 'shocking'

PAN-AP executive director Sarojeni V Rengam described paraquat as one of the most dangerous weedkillers, saying it has been banned in many countries including Cambodia.

"It is a poison without an antidote," she said, pointing out that the ban would protect agriculture workers, farmers and consumers.

The Penang-based regional organisation has been involved in the campaign against paraquat for over 17 years.

Tenaganita director Irene Fernandez said the group has tried to make an appointment with Muhiddin, but has not received a reply so far.

"We are shocked that Muhiyiddin said the ministry may review the ban. He should listen to the workers and not just to industry players," she said.

Plantation worker R Nagamah, 46, from Kapar, said workers could not accept a reversal of the ban.

"I lost my third baby when I was four months pregnant," she said, illustrating one of the many effects of the herbicide on women's health.

Another worker, 48 year-old S Saraswathy, also said she has suffered a miscarriage.