MEASLES are the cause of the death of 16 Orang Asli in Kg Kuala Koh, concludes a Health Ministry forensic report, the minister said today.

Dzulkefly Ahmad said they did not die from drinking contaminated river water as claimed by some.

“Tests showed that there were heavy metal, micro-organism and pesticide. But it was not enough to cause death.

“In summation, the Orang Asli of Kuala Koh died from measles,” he said during a press conference at his ministry in Putrajaya today.

As part of its investigation, the ministry exhumed the remains of 12 Bateq Orang Asli.

The community was hit by what was thought a mystery “epidemic” from June 3 to July 5.

A total of 173 cases were recorded involving the Bateq tribe members in the area, with 147 cases, including three deaths in Kelantan, Terengganu (18) and Pahang (8).

Of the total, 82 cases were confirmed through laboratory tests to be measles.

In previous reports, the minister attributed the relatively low measles immunisation rate among the Bateq to their nomadic lifestyle.

Dzulkefly said samples were collected from sources of drinking water and food they had consumed.

“Checks showed the water they had consumed from the river and wells met the standards set for potable water and was safe.”

He said poor immunisation and low nutrition among the Orang Asli children had contributed to the deaths. – September 25, 2019.