Kota Baru: The agencies that studied water samples taken from the Orang Asli village in Kuala Koh, Gua Musang, need to give a satisfactory explanation for the deaths of 15 members of the Bateq tribe.
Orang Asli Development Department (Jakoa) director-general Prof Dr Juli Edo said the community was not satisfied with the report that raw water from the area’s rivers was not contaminated.
He said the Environment Department, Chemistry Department and other agencies needed to give them a satisfactory explanation.
“This is important as many of those involved are still very emotionally affected “We will meet the Orang Asli community in Kuala Koh to offer encouragement,” he told the New Straits Times.
Yesterday, the Orang Asli villagers had voiced doubt over the Health Ministry’s statement that the disease was not caused by contaminated river water.
The village chief, Mohamad Pokok, said this was because a manganese mine was located only 100m from the river and water catchment area.