Tens Of Teluk Meranti Infants Suffer From Diarrhea

eluk Meranti, Riau Province, June 21 (ANTARA) - Tens of infants were reported suffering from diarrhea in Teluk Meranti village, Pelalawan District, Riau, since early June.

At least 20 babies got diarrhea due to poor quality water, Romika, a nurse at the Teluk Meranti community health center said here Monday.

The contaminated water in the Kampar River had caused diarrhea to become a chronic disease among the village's babies, particularly during the dry season, she said.

Meanwhile, Jhony S Mundung, chairman of the Riau chapter of Walhi (Indonesian Environmental Forum), said the Kampar River had been contaminated since 2005.

Based on research carried out by the Pelalawan Environmental Office, the river was polluted by industrial wastes from companies operating in the area, including from the Riau Andalan Pulp and Paper (RAPP), he said.