SHAH ALAM, June 22 — Experts from the World Health Organisation (WHO) and Singapore will be roped in to study the contents of water, including that from former mining ponds and rivers being supplied to treatment plants in Selangor.

Menteri Besar Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim said the state government would also seek the service of experts from Singapore, based on their experience in managing its water source, especially in producing recycled water (Newater).

“Why Singapore? Because its Newater is the product of water heavy with chemicals. Many political colleagues don’t like Singapore to be involved but we consider it as a professional effort that has to be done.

“We give them two weeks to conduct a study. Then, they will make an announcement,” he told a media conference after launching the Section 7 Arts Site here today.

On a statement by Klang Member of Parliament Charles Santiago yesterday that the contents of water obtained from former mining ponds might not be safe for use during the drought, Abdul Khalid said the statement must be supported with scientific and professional research.

He rapped Santiago’s statement which he described as “merely aimed at seeking cheap publicity”.

“We cannot make statements without scientific support; otherwise, we will be viewed as making speculation. The public can do so but the government cannot, a responsible government must make scientific research.

“Based on his statements, there is a possibility Yang Berhormat (Santiago) feels experts in Malaysia, including doctors from the health ministry and the chemistry department don’t make the grade (not good),” he said.

In his statement, Santiago had said the content of toxic metals in water from former mining ponds might be diluted to a safe level under normal circumstances.

However, he said during the drought season, the ratio of concentration of the dangerous metals might no longer be at a level safe for consumption.

In its forecast, the Malaysian Meteorological Department had said the country was expected to experience drought from June to September this year, while the World Meteorological Organisation forecasted that the El Nino phenomenon might occur in the middle of the year, for six to 18 months. — Bernama