Tests on water samples by the Chemistry Department in Kuantan found that water from Kuala Terla Plant is below the danger level and safe for use by consumers.

Cameron Highlands district police chief Deputy Supt Wan Mohd Zahari Wan Busu said water from the plant was not contaminated by the fungicide Thiodan used by an Indonesian man to poison fish on Tuesday.

“Investigation found that only the water and fish at Sungai Terla was contaminated with the fungicide.

“Quick action by Air Pahang Berhad in Cameron Highlands prevented the river water from entering Kuala Terla Plant,” he told reporters in Cameron Highlands today.

Air Pahang Berhad has channelled clean water to several areas including Kampung Raja, Kuala Terla, Tringkap, Kea Farm and Tanah Rata in stages.

Zahari said the fish poisoning using fungicide was the first in Cameron Highlands, which has a population of over 20,000.

He advised the public to use the correct method to fish.

Police are searching for a 20 year-old male suspect who poisoned fish using  fungicide with an accomplice who was detained on March 3 at Kuala Terla.

The suspect was remanded three days and the case was investigated under Section 429 of Penal Code for poisoning the water source.

- Bernama