MELAKA, Feb 23 (Bernama)-- Water samples from the fountain at Dataran 1Malaysia in Klebang have been sent to the Health Ministry for a second laboratory test against rotavirus.
State Housing, Local Government and Environment Committee chairman Datuk Ismail Othman said the first test on the water samples taken from the fountain found the water was not contaminated with any virus that could be harmful to public health.
He said the move was taken following allegations of a rotavirus outbreak in the state as circulated on social media.
We will continue to monitor and from investigation conducted, there is no rotavirus outbreak in the state, he told reporters after opening the Community Award event near here last night.
He said the result of the second laboratory test would be known in seven days.
"After that, we will look into ways to overcome the problem, like putting up signboard prohibiting the public from bathing in the fountain or to fence up the area," he added.
Ismail said notice had been put up by the local authority advising the public against bathing at the fountain, adding that operations of the fountain had been suspended.
The Melaka Historical City Council suspended operations of the fountain after allegations on social media that several children contracted the rotavirus after playing there and had sought treatment at the Melaka Hospital.
Earlier, Ismail presented awards to 59 agencies and companies which were named the winners in various categories, including the best taxpayer, most efficient, highest contributor, healthy community, active community, active media, best stall and low carbon community.
The Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) was among the recipients of the award for active media.
--BERNAMA
