THE analysis on water samples taken from Kg Kuala Koh in Gua Musang has been completed and sent to the various agencies yesterday, said Chemistry Department director-general Mohamed Zaini Abdul Rahman today.

“The report has been given to the Department of Environment (DOE) in Kelantan and the Health, and Energy, Science, Technology, Environment and Climate Change ministries.”

The analysis was done on water samples collected from several areas in Kg Kuala Koh on Sunday and Monday, he said.

“The DOE is collecting another five water samples to be tested from various places in Gua Musang. These areas are places where the Orang Asli normally reside.”

Zaini, however, declined to confirm whether the water had been contaminated.

DOE Kelantan chief Hamzah Mohamad today confirmed with The Malaysian Insight that they have received the analysis but declined to reveal the report.

“I believe the ministry will issue a statement on this,” he said, referring to the Energy, Science, Technology, Environment and Climate Change Ministry.

Some 14 Orang Asli, including a one-year-old baby, from the Bateq tribe in Kg Kuala Koh have died in the past month due to breathing difficulties.

The government has not yet ascertained the cause of death, which activists claimed was due to river pollution.

According to data from the Health Ministry, there are 39 Bateq families or 180 people residing in Kg Kuala Koh. – June 13, 2019.