Health Minister Dzulkefly Ahmad said today four died due to measles, eight deaths were related to the outbreak while the remaining four deaths could not be determined due to severe decay.

He said based on environmental sample analysis results and forensic reports, the deaths were not caused by heavy metal poisoning. Although tests showed the presence of such metals, it did not reach the lethal dosage level, he added.

“Several environmental samples such as drinking water, soil and food sources have been taken to test for the presence of heavy metals, micro-organisms and pesticides,” Dzulkefly told reporters in a press conference today in Putrajaya.

Dr Steven Chow, president of the Federation of Private Medical Practitioners’ Associations Malaysia had claimed that tests on water samples collected from the water supply area in the forest, piped water from the village’s water source in Sg Pertak as well as water collected from the river showed high traces of manganese.

In June, it was reported that four Orang Asli villagers died due to measles. The government has since said the measles outbreak is over.

The ministry said the children in Kampung Kuala Koh have all received their measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccination.

Between June 3 and June 9, 178 cases of measles were reported, including 147 in Kelantan, 23 in Terengganu and eight in Pahang.

Dzulkefly said similar cases, which were detected in Terengganu and Pahang among the indigenous people, were also due to measles.