Three mining operations identified in Sungai Perak’s upper reaches after river turned bluish, with water samples sent for chemical analysis.
KUALA LUMPUR: The Department of Environment has identified three mining operations in Sungai Perak’s upper reaches following reports of the river turning bluish.
Director-general Datuk Wan Abdul Latiff Wan Jaffar confirmed the area involves one rare earth element mine and two tin mines.
“Previously, there were four mines, but one has since been closed,” he told media practitioners during a dialogue session.
Water samples have been collected and sent to the Chemistry Department for analysis, with investigations conducted alongside the Department of Minerals and Geoscience.
Preliminary findings suggest nearby mining activities likely caused the river’s discolouration, though other factors haven’t been ruled out.
“In some cases, pollution does not originate directly from factories,” Wan Abdul Latiff explained.
“Sometimes it is caused by chemicals being disposed of into rivers using certain containers, and when chemical reactions occur, the water can change colour.”
Further investigations continue pending the chemical analysis report’s completion.
Photographs showing Sungai Perak near Kampung Sungai Papan Bridge appearing blue went viral on social media on October 21.
Perak DOE director Datuk Dr Mohammad Ezanni Mat Salleh had earlier stated mining activities were suspected as the cause.
Separately, Wan Abdul Latiff confirmed the recent Sungai Johor pollution incident affected over 450,000 water supply accounts.
Investigations revealed a ruptured sand-washing pond at a Kota Tinggi land-based sand mining site caused the contamination.
The sand mining project covered less than 20 hectares and wasn’t subject to Environmental Impact Assessment requirements.
Action has been taken under the Environmental Quality Act 1974, directing the company to repair the affected pond and embankment. – Bernama
