An opposition MP has derided the Selangor Water Management Authority's (Luas) threat to take legal action against those questioning the quality of water it is taking from former mining ponds, especially since it has yet to provide any concrete proof of the water’s safety.

Klang MP Charles Santiago ( right ) said it was “ironic” that Luas has made “such intimidating statements” considering it is a state-linked agency tasked with managing water resources.

“It’s ironic how an agency dedicated to manage water sources can dismiss years of academic research and findings of experts in the field whose research has been published in reputable journals.

“Moreover, Luas has not provided any credible analysis refuting the conclusions and findings of the researchers,” Charles said in a statement today.

He was referring to his earlier claim citing two different Universiti Malaya studies that found the mining ponds in Bestari Jaya are contaminated with arsenic, chromium, copper, lead, zinc and tin.

The Selangor state government is currently transferring water from eight former mining ponds in Bestari Jaya into Sungai Selangor to alleviate the state’s water crisis.

The New Straits Times reported on Wedneday that analysis of water samples it collected from the mining ponds in Bestari Jaya on May 4 contained excessive quantities of lead, iron, manganese and nickel.

These claims have been denied by the state government, which insisted that the mining pond water is safe, with the level of 'heavy metals' within the regulatory limits set by the Health Ministry.

However, Charles countered that Luas has yet to disclose the Health Ministry’s certification that the water from the ponds comply with the Malaysian Water Quality Standards, nor is there evidence that Luas had rehabilitated the ponds to make the water safe for human consumption.

'Lawsuits would undermine public confidence'

He urged the state government to order Luas to reveal whether the levels of arsenic, chromium, copper, lead, zinc and tin had exceeded limits, and to disclose the Health Ministry’s certification.

If Luas resorts to lawsuits instead of explanations and evidence to assuage public fears, he says it would undermine public confidence in the agency.

“If such information is not forthcoming as part of the agencies standard operating procedure, than it will be Luas that will be confronted with public scrutiny including lawsuits,” he said.

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