The Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) is shocked that Selangor state executive councillor in charge of infrastructure and public amenities, Dr Ahmad Yunus Hairi, has been quoted in the New Straits Times ( NST ) to have said that water that has been pumped out from mining pools to supply water to households has been only tested for oxygen and pH. Anyone will tell you that water from mining pools can contain hazardous substances, mostly of metallic origin.
The NST investigative team needs to be commended for having gone the extra mile to test the quality of the water from the mining pools. The findings are certainly a cause for concern. Despite this, the MMA is surprised that the state government has been repeatedly assuring the public “all is well”.
More intriguing is that the earlier tests have not been revealed, stating that the rakyat will be confused. It is for them to educate the public and present the facts in an understandable way. I am certainly confused by the reason not to divulge the details of the results. This smacks of another ‘Watergate’.
As the water content has definite health risks, the rakyat need to know. Giving reassurances just to not get criticised for the ongoing water crisis is unacceptable to the citizenry.
Long-term damage for a short-term crisis
The analytical reports on the mining pool water gave alarming levels of metals that could cause permanent damage to health like Iron (554 percent above the normal limit), Lead (460 percent), Nickel (240 percent) and Manganese (135 percent). These levels can cause permanent health damage within days of drinking these deadly waters, especially to children.
At this toxic levels , these metals will certainly cause permanent damage to the brain , central nervous, cardiovascular and digestive systems. Most importantly they are all carcinogenic. No subsequent treatment can cure treat these illnesses that are caused by these metals at this levels.
The MMA recognises that there is a water problem in Selangor and the government is seeking ways to resolve the water crisis. But this short-term measure of pumping water from mining pools into the rivers and subsequently to all homes will definitely cause a health crisis and is a sitting time bomb. The MMA urges the state government to stop this mode of supplying water to homes, immediately.
It may be grudgingly acceptable to have water rationing rather than be poisoned by the water itself. The government must scrap this ‘ingenious and innovative’ plan. This plan is doomed as it will cast a deadly spell for life on the health of those who consume the mining pool water laced with deadly toxins.
DR NKS THARMASEELAN is president of the Malaysian Medical Association.
