Ministry: Water at Sg Sadong not contaminated

KUCHING: Ministry of Utilities has refuted an opposition party’s claim that Sungai Sadong, the water source for Serian Division, is contaminated with poisonous substance.

Based on results of laboratory tests, the ministry said the water source is not contaminated as claimed.

The ministry also rubbished report of a local news portal for carrying the article on June 20 this year.

“Based on the test sample obtained from a private lab, the results show that the raw and treated water from Slabi Water Treatment Plant does not violate the standards and specifications of the Drinking Water Quality Standard established by the Ministry of Health.

“No agro- chemical elements such as pesticides, ammonia and anions are detected in the raw and treated water samples,” the ministry said in a press statement made available yesterday.

“Laboratory test results for grass and pesticide categories are below the maximum acceptable value set out in the Drinking Water Quality Standard ( 2004). The grass poisoning concentrations examined in raw water is also below the maximum acceptable value (< 0.03mg / l),” the statement added.

The Ministry of Utilities, through the Sarawak Rural Water Supply Department, is satisfied with the tests conducted by the laboratory wherein no pollution is detected based on the sample results taken and tested on June 25 this year.

“Therefore, it can be concluded that the river is safe to be used as a water source for the Slabi plant.

Minister of Utilities Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi is very concerned about this issue especially when it concerns the safety of the population,” the statement added.

Consequently, Dr Rundi directed the Sarawak Rural Water Supply Department to constantly monitor the raw and treated water in the area from time to time, alongside other responsible agencies to ensure the quality and safety of water for the people of Serian.