Sungai Perak’s water turned blue, prompting a state task force. The cause is unconfirmed, with heavy rain and natural minerals cited as possible factors.
IPOH: The definitive cause of Sungai Perak’s water turning blue remains unconfirmed, with no current evidence directly linking it to mining activities.
Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad stated a state delegation recently met with federal ministry officials and technical agencies for clarity on the issue.
He noted records show a similar phenomenon occurred in the same area in 2018, before rare earth element mining began in Perak.
“The JMG has also confirmed that the Hulu Perak area is naturally rich in mineral deposits such as tin, copper, manganese, arsenic and pyrite,” he said during the state assembly sitting.
Saarani explained that heavy rainfall can wash these minerals into the river system.
He said sunlight refracting through suspended minerals could create a blue appearance.
Alternatively, high concentrations could form mineral solutions like ferric sulphate or copper sulphate, which are blue.
A task force involving all relevant technical departments has been established to investigate.
“Investigations are ongoing, and stern action will be taken if any breach of standard operating procedures or regulations,” Saarani said.
The Atomic Energy Department will conduct a comprehensive analysis of radioactivity levels at the REE mining site.
The state government will fully defer to the authorities’ findings and abide by any decision. – Bernama
