MALAYSIA'S eco parks and jungle recreational areas are among the best in the world, offering cool river water, lush greenery and a welcome escape from the heat.
But social media has been buzzing with claims that a popular Negri Sembilan eco park left some visitors violently ill after a dip in its waters, with reports of vomiting and diarrhoea spreading as fast as the posts themselves.
Has an eco park in Negri Sembilan really been closed over suspected leptospirosis cases?
Verdict:
TRUE
Taman Eko Rimba Ulu Bendul in Kuala Pilah, Negri Sembilan has been temporarily closed until May 24 following reports of suspected leptospirosis cases at the recreational area.
Negri Sembilan Forestry Department director Mohd Yussainy Md Yusop confirmed the closure, saying it was necessary to allow management to carry out sanitisation work, thorough cleaning and water quality monitoring to ensure visitor safety.
"Yesterday (May 11), we received a report from the Kuala Pilah District Health Office informing us that there were two suspected leptospirosis cases at the recreational centre," Mohd Yussainy told Bernama.
He added that members of the public were prohibited from trespassing into the area during the closure period, and that failure to comply could result in action being taken under existing regulations.
"Public safety and health are our priority," he said.
The closure followed viral social media posts claiming that several visitors had experienced vomiting and diarrhoea after swimming at the park.
Negri Sembilan Health Department deputy director of public health Dr Suriyati Abd Aziz said further investigations were being carried out and that any developments would be communicated in due course.
Leptospirosis, commonly known as rat's urine disease or kencing tikus, is a bacterial infection spread through water or soil contaminated by the urine of infected animals, most commonly rats.
It is typically contracted through contact with contaminated water, particularly during recreational water activities such as swimming or wading in rivers and streams.
Symptoms can include fever, headache, muscle pain, vomiting and diarrhoea, and in severe cases the infection can lead to kidney or liver failure if left untreated.
Mohd Yussainy confirmed that other recreational water areas in the state remained open as usual, but reminded visitors to maintain cleanliness at all times.
"Do not throw food waste everywhere because we do not want other recreational areas to be affected as well. Let us all maintain cleanliness together," he said.
Source:
Bernama
