Mysterious disease kills many Malaysian natives
In one month, 14 Batek natives living in an isolated village suddenly died, 12 of whom the cause was unknown.
Malaysian officials are investigating the deaths of several Batek tribe members in Kelantan state after a month-long battle with a mysterious illness.
Of the 14 deaths, two were due to pneumonia and the cause of death for 12 is unknown. A total of 83 residents of the village are receiving medical treatment, 46 of whom are hospitalized.
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The Batek tribe lives isolated from the outside world. Photo:Original People |
On June 10, Dzulkefly Ahmad, Malaysia's Health Minister, said that many of the dead were buried in the forest, and authorities were trying to determine where they were buried to conduct an exhumation for an autopsy.
News of the deaths emerged last week when the village chief blamed mining activities for poisoning the water supply, causing strange illnesses and deaths.
Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia, warned that the government will punish anyone who pollutes water sources used by indigenous people.
Malaysia has 18 officially recognized indigenous tribes, of which the Batek is one of the smallest, with a population of less than 2,000. This isolated village, the Batek tribe members frequently travel back and forth to the border area between the states of Kelantan and Pahang.
