Kanching Waterfall covered in thick soap foam after visitors use shampoo, sparking environmental concerns
A trip to a waterfall should offer a refreshing escape into nature, but visitors to Kanching Waterfall in Selangor recently were met with an unwelcome sight – thick layers of soap suds covering the water.
The incident has sparked outrage online after a Threads user known as Lee shared her frustrating experience at the popular recreational spot, highlighting growing concerns about visitor behaviour at natural attractions.
Soap Suds Spoil Natural Experience
Lee documented her visit to Kanching Waterfall, where she encountered water completely covered in dense foam. Video footage showed the cascading water creating even more bubbles as it flowed downstream, transforming what should have been a pristine natural environment into something resembling a bubble bath.
“To anyone going to waterfalls, please don’t bathe using soap or shampoo at the waterfall. Everyone comes to experience nature,” Lee wrote in her post.
She explained that the strong fragrance of soap not only ruined the natural atmosphere but also affected visitors downstream, particularly families with children who had gathered at the lower levels.
“Suddenly you smell soap everywhere – it really spoils the experience. And they bathed at the upper level too. Feel sorry for those who brought many children at the bottom,” she added.
Environmental and Health Concerns
Beyond the immediate inconvenience, the use of cleaning products in natural water bodies raises serious environmental concerns. Lee called on authorities to install clear signage prohibiting the use of soap, shampoo, and other cleaning agents at waterfall sites.
When some netizens questioned whether the foam might actually be sea foam – a natural phenomenon – Lee clarified that the suds had a distinctly fragrant smell characteristic of commercial shampoo products.
For context, genuine sea foam occurs when organic matter, waves, and wind interact, creating natural surfactants. Similar foam can form in rivers and waterfalls through natural processes. However, the scented foam at Kanching Waterfall was clearly artificial in origin.
Understanding “Grounding” and Natural Recreation
The incident is particularly frustrating for those seeking “grounding” experiences – a wellness practice involving direct connection with nature that experts recommend for mental health benefits.
Grounding activities include park visits, beach trips, hiking, and waterfall bathing. Research suggests these practices can reduce stress in children, improve sleep quality, and decrease illness frequency. However, such benefits depend on experiencing genuinely natural environments, not chemically contaminated ones.
Public Outrage and Similar Incidents
The post resonated with many social media users who shared their own frustrating experiences:
“Last week I went bathing at Hulu Langat. Someone shampooed and then just let the shampoo bottle float away like that. So infuriating,” wrote one woman.
“What’s the point of using shampoo at a waterfall? It’s not like you won’t shower at home afterwards. People are so strange,” another person commented.
Several users expressed shock at the sheer volume of foam visible in the footage.
“Did they use a whole bottle [of shampoo]? That foam looks extreme,” remarked one Threads user.
Call for Greater Environmental Awareness
The incident has prompted calls for improved public education about environmental protection, with commenters noting that awareness about pollution from cleaning products remains surprisingly low in Malaysia.
“Awareness about pollution from cleaning agents is still very low among Malaysians. Shampoo and dish soap all contain chemicals harmful to ecosystems,” one netizen explained.
“Water containing these substances needs to be filtered and treated before returning to rivers. Please only use cleaning products in proper toilets.”
Lee’s suggestion for clearer signage at natural attractions reflects a broader need for visitor management at Malaysia’s increasingly popular outdoor destinations. As more people seek nature-based recreation, balancing accessibility with environmental protection becomes crucial.
Authorities managing natural attractions may need to consider:
- Clear prohibition signage about soap and shampoo use
- Educational campaigns about environmental impact
- Designated facilities for proper washing where appropriate
- Monitoring and enforcement of environmental regulations
- Visitor education programs about responsible recreation
The incident at Kanching Waterfall serves as a reminder that enjoying nature comes with responsibilities. Preserving these spaces for future generations requires conscious effort from all visitors to minimize their environmental impact and respect shared natural resources.
For those planning waterfall visits, the message is clear: leave only footprints, take only memories, and keep cleaning products for proper facilities where wastewater can be appropriately treated.
