The news regarding bacteria found in the water from a water vending machine is worrying. The article reported that most of the samples tested were not in compliance with the National Drinking Water Standards and also the upcoming Safe Drinking Water Act.
According to the news, Coliform and Clostridium perfringens that were found in the water from the water vending machine can cause cramps, diarrhoea and other gastrointestinal problems. Believing that the water quality is safe, most of the consumers drink the water directly without even boiling it.
In Malaysia, most of the water vending machines are selling water at the price of RM0.20 per litre. It may sounds as a cheap alternative to the 500ml bottled water which costs RM1.00-RM1.50. However, the water supplied by the water operator only costs an average of RM0.66 per 1,000 litres.
According the news report, the Health Ministry has already ordered all water vending machine operators to register since 2013. However, it seems that the order has fallen onto deaf ears and the water vending machines keep mushrooming in the country.
The consequences for an infant to be feed with the contaminated water will be intolerable. According to the Health Ministry statistics, diarrhea or gastrointestinal related health problem is one of top five killers in Malaysia.
While we are already facing the brunt of the water crisis, now we are embattled with the quality of water from the water vending machines which many consumers deem as an alternative resource of drinking water.
Now, the Health Ministry must act fast by demanding all water vending machine operators to be registered and perform water quality check according to the schedule. For those who do not register or water quality is not in compliance with the national standards, the machines must be confiscated and operators blacklisted.
Consumers must also play their role in tackling this problem too. According to the Food Hygience Act 2009 part 5 chapter 6 (53) to chapter 6 (55):
- The name and registration address of the owner must be labeled on the machines,
- All machines must have self-closing, tight fitting door on the dispense compartment when the machine is not in use.
- The water vending machine is rusty,
- Unknown substances found in the water,
- Regular maintenance schedule is missing.
FOON WENG LIAN is secretary-general, Water And Energy Consumer Association of Malaysia (Wecam).
