Rain Trees

7 March 2011 - The public in Malaysia has been advised against drinking the "holy water" showering down from a tree in Pinang Tunggal and another in Siungai Petani. The Consumers Association of Penang  rural education officer N.V. Subbarow said it was foolish for anyone to wipe their bodies and faces with the water or to even drink it. "people are merely exposing themselves to unknown risks as the authorities have yet to run tests on the water. They should be reminded that many diseases are spread by animals and insects, including leptospirosis which is spread through water." he said. Thousands of people from afar have been flocking to see the two trees since late February. Witnesses claimed they had felt showers from the trees - a 12m high petal tree and an 18m high wild tree in Taman Ria Jaya. Subbarow said that those people making a fast buck from selling the "holy water" at MYR 5 per glass were being "irresponsible".