It is worrying to read news reports regarding bacteria found in the water of water vending machines. According to the reports, most of the samples tested were not in compliance with the National Drinking Water Standards and the upcoming Safe Drinking Water Act.

Coliform and Clostridium perfringens that were found in the water from the water vending machines can cause cramps, diarrhoea and other gastrointestinal problems.

Most consumers drink the water directly without boiling it as they believe that the water is safe.

In Malaysia, most of the water vending machines sell water at 20 sen per litre.

It may sound a cheap alternative to the 500ml bottled water which costs RM1 to RM1.50. However, the water supplied by the water operator only costs an average of 66 sen per 1,000 litres.

According to the news report, the Health Ministry had ordered all water vending machine operators to register since 2013.

However, it seems that the order has fallen on deaf ears and water vending machine companies keep mushrooming all over the country.

An infant drinking the contaminated water will find it intolerable. According to Health Ministry statistics, diarrhoea or gastrointestinal related health problems are one of top five killers in Malaysia.

While we are already facing the brunt of a water crisis, now we are embattled with the quality of water from the water vending machines which many consumers deem as the alternative resource of drinking water.

The ministry must act fast by demanding that all these operators be registered and that they perform water quality checks according to the schedule.

For those who do not register or where water quality is not in compliance with the national standards, the machines must be confiscated and the operator blacklisted.

Consumers also must play their role in tackling this problem.

According to the Food Hygiene Act 2009 part 5 chapter 6 (53) to chapter 6 (55):

> The name and registration address of the owner must be on the machine; and

> All machines must have self-closing, tight-fitting doors for the dispensing compartment when the machines are not in use.

Consumers must stop using the water vending machines if:

> The water vending machine is rusty;

> Unknown substances are found in the water; and

> A regular maintenance schedule is missing.

Exert your rights as wise consumers and don’t buy from the water vending machines if all the above requirements are not met.

Also make an official complaint at the nearest consumer association or to the Health Ministry.

FOON WENG LIAN
Secretary General
Water And Energy Consumer Association of Malaysia