DPM: No water contamination from manganese mining near Kuala Koh

Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail has confirmed the Environment Department's (DOE) findings that there was no water contamination from manganese mining at Aring 10, located three kilometres from the Bateq village of Kampung Kuala Koh, Gua Musang.

According to the deputy prime minister, the DOE conducted sampling at the manganese mine and water springs areas in the village, where 14 people have died since early May.

"The Chemistry Department found that the water quality at the sampling location was in compliance with the National Water Quality Standards for raw water.

"The DOE's investigation confirmed that there was no accidental discharge from manganese mining at Aring 10," she told a press conference when visiting the Operations Centre at Felda Aring 10, today.

Wan Azizah said the Health Ministry is currently conducting investigations and laboratory tests to identify the cause of the infections that killed the villagers.

Two of the villages who were Muslim, have had postmortems conducted and the cause of death is said to be pneumonia. One of the bodies has been exhumed for further investigations.

The remaining 12 villagers were bound and laid to rest on high trees in taboo grounds, in accordance with traditional Bateq practises. Eight of the 12 bodies have since been discovered.

"Laboratory tests are being carried out on the remains, and results are expected to be obtained in the near future," she said.

Wan Azizah also said that authorities have experienced some difficulties as the investigations are not always compatible with the traditional beliefs of the Bateq.

"We find that they have had chronic problems over the past few years, but we do not know what is the main cause of this death.

"The results of the Health Ministry inspection of the deceased have found negative tuberculosis, rat's urine, parasites," she said.

She added that Bateq residents who received medical treatment would be transferred to the temporary evacuation centre at the Etnobotani National Service Training Program (PLKN) camp.

Dr Wan Azizah said that it is estimated that 50 Orang Asli are being housed at the temporary relief centre.

"At the moment, the situation of the Orang Asli community of Kuala Koh is under control, but the public is still not allowed to enter, as the area is currently still declared a red zone by police," she said. - Mkini