MELAKA: The Melaka government has assured the public that treated water remains safe and meets established quality standards following the discovery of suspected human remains inside a cement-filled barrel at the Durian Tunggal Dam reserve.
State Secretary Datuk Salhah Salleh said the state administration was informed of the discovery, which was reported to police at about 11.40am on Sunday (Sept 13).
She said any conclusions about the incident should be based on monitoring, sampling and technical assessments by the relevant authorities.
“The public is advised not to panic, draw conclusions or spread unverified information, particularly regarding the safety of the water supply, the victim’s identity or the cause of the incident,” she said in a statement on Sunday.
Salhah said water quality monitoring conducted so far had found no breach of stipulated parameters, while treated water supplied to consumers remained safe.
“The state government understands the public’s concern as the location where the barrel was found forms part of the water catchment area and raw water source for the state.
“However, water supplied to consumers is treated at water treatment plants before distribution, while its quality is monitored and inspected in accordance with established procedures and standards,” she said.
Salhah said the safety of the state’s water sources remained a priority and the matter was being taken seriously.
She said monitoring and inspections in the affected area would be intensified, including further sampling and testing to ensure the water source remained under close observation.
“The state government will continue to cooperate with the police and relevant technical agencies to ensure every aspect of the discovery is given due attention according to their respective jurisdictions,” she said.
Salhah added that the situation would continue to be monitored and any development affecting the safety or continuity of the water supply would be announced through official channels.
“The state government assures the public that the safety of water sources and the people’s interests remain our priority.
“Precautionary measures will continue to be implemented to preserve public confidence in the safety of the water supply,” she added.
Earlier, it was reported that suspected human skeletal remains were found inside a blue barrel in the water catchment area of the Durian Tunggal Dam in Machap Baru.
The barrel was discovered by three anglers, who alerted the police.
