It is worrying when the news regarding bacteria found in the water from the water vending machine. The news reported that most of the samples tested were not in compliance with the National Drinking Water Standards and also the upcoming Safe Drinking Water Act.
According to the news, Coliform and Clostridium perfringens that were found in the water from the water vending machine can cause cramps, diarrhoea and other gastrointestinal problems. Believing that the water quality is safe, most of the consumers drink the water directly without even boiling it.
In Malaysia, most of the water vending machines are selling water at the price of RM0.20 per liter. It may sounds as a cheap alternative to the 500ml bottled water which costs RM1.00-RM1.50. However, the water supplied by the water operator only costs an average of RM0.66 per 1000 litre.
According the news report, Ministry of Health has already ordered all water vending machine operators to register since 2013. However, it seems that the order has fallen into the deaf ears and the water vending machines keep mushrooming in the country.
The consequences for an infant to be feed with the contaminated water will be intolerable. According to the health ministry statistic, diarrhea or gastrointestinal related health problem is one of top five killers in Malaysia.
While we are already facing the brunt of the water crisis, now we are embattled with the quality of water from the water vending machine which many consumers deem as the alternative resource of drinking water.
Now, the Ministry of Health must acts fast by demanding all water vending machine operators to be registered and perform water quality check according to the schedule. For those who do not register or water quality is not in compliance with the national standards, the machine must be confiscated and operator being blacklisted.
Consumer also must play their role in tackling this problem too. According to the Food Hygience Act 2009 part 5 chapter 6 (53) to chapter 6 (55):
- The name and registration address of the owner must be labeled on the machine.
- All machine must have self-closing, tight fitting door on the dispense compartment when the machine is not in-use.
In addition, stop using the water vending machine if you see things listed as below:
- The water vending machine is rusty.
- Unknown substances found in the water.
- Regular maintenance schedule is missing.
Exert your rights as a wise consumer and boycott the water vending machine if all the requirements above are not met. Furthermore, make an official complaint to the nearest consumer association or to the Ministry of Health.
This article was published in Malaysiakini.com, Themalaysianinsider.com and also The Star newspaper.
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