Health Minister Dr S Subramaniam has advised the Selangor government to stop using water from former mining ponds as a measure to resolve the state's water shortage.

Subramaniam noted that even though tests have showed the water to be safe, persistent public concerns about it needed to be addressed.

"Even though water from the mining ponds was proven to be safe, but because of public perception that the water is contaminated with various dangerous toxins, it is better to find alternatives to meet the (water) needs of the state.

"I will discuss with the Selangor Water Management Authority (Luas) and the state government that, if possible, do not use the water from former mining ponds for now," Subramaniam is quoted as saying by Utusan Malaysia Online this evening.

The remarks come as several groups including MPs from within Pakatan Rakyat expressed concern about the safety of water from mining ponds that is being pumped into Sungai Selangor to supply water treatment plants in the state.

The move is a temporary measure to complement the Sungai Selangor dam that remains at critical level, with water levels at 41 percent.

The Selangor government has insisted the water is safe and samples submitted to the Chemistry Department showed iron, magnesium, nickel and lead content were within the allowed level.

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