Water supply at Orang Asli kampung safe for drinking, says health ministry

 

Water samples taken from Kampung Kelaik’s gravity feed system showed no violations of heavy metal limits, said the health ministry. (Bernama pic)

PETALING JAYA: 

Water supply at Kampung Kelaik in Pos Blau, Gua Musang, Kelantan, has been confirmed to be safe and free of heavy metal pollution.

The health ministry said tests on the water samples collected from the village’s gravity feed system on Dec 9 showed that levels of aluminium, arsenic, iron and chromium are within safe limits.

“The health ministry, in collaboration with the Kelantan health department and the Gua Musang health office, will continue to monitor the water supply quality in Kampung Kelaik regularly with Jakoa (Orang Asli development department),” it said.

The tests were conducted following concerns raised over possible contamination after a news portal reported health issues in the village.

Responding to the concerns, the natural resources and environmental sustainability ministry ordered two mining companies to halt operations.

The health ministry said the Kelantan health department initiated an investigation on Dec 4, conducting field visits to Kampung Kelaik and the surrounding areas, including the nearby mining operations.

Earlier health screenings of 200 residents at Kampung Kelaik on Sept 23 found no signs of heavy metal poisoning, it said.

“Data from nearby health facilities also found no acute cases of heavy metal poisoning reported so far,” it said.

However, it said the Institute for Medical Research will conduct more studies to assess the long-term health impacts of heavy metal exposure on residents. - FMT