THERE is no contamination from the mine in Kelantan’s Aring area leaking into the river in Kg Kuala Koh, Gua Musang, said Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail. 

The Department of Environment confirmed that there are no manganese leaks from the mine 3km from the Bateq Orang Asli kampung where 14 people died recently, said the deputy prime minister.

“The results released by the Department of Chemistry on June 12 found that the water quality at the sampling location was in compliance with the National Water Quality Standards for raw water.

“The Ministry of Health Malaysia is currently conducting investigations and laboratory tests to identify the cause of this infection.

“The test results are expected to be obtained soon,” she said at the Kg Kuala Koh command centre today. 

Wan Azizah said the authorities have prepared a relief centre at the Etnobotani national service centre for those soon to be released from hospital. 

“We want to control their movements because we still don’t know the cause of the disease. 

“The initial estimate of placements at the temporary relief centre is 50 people. The maximum number of placements is 400 people.”

She said the government understands the needs of the Bateq and praised civil society organisations for assisting the tribe. 

“For safety reasons, they are not allowed to channel the aid themselves.  Instead, the government will channel the aid.” – June 14, 2019.