Perak orders temporary halt to mining after Sungai Perak turns blue near Gerik, pending investigation into pollution concerns.
IPOH: Mining activities in the upper reaches of Sungai Perak near Gerik have been temporarily halted following pollution concerns.
Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad confirmed that operators with valid licences have been ordered to stop work.
“They are operating legally,” he told reporters after officiating the Perak MADANI Taat Setia Roadshow.
“For now, they have stopped operations until we are satisfied with the report and study.”
Saarani was responding to questions about the river water turning bluish last week, allegedly due to nearby mining activities.
He has instructed the State Secretary and relevant departments to investigate the issue.
The departments include Irrigation and Drainage, Minerals and Geoscience, Land and Mines Office, District Offices and the Health Department.
“I will not issue any statement until the relevant departments conduct their studies and present their findings,” he said.
A meeting will be held tomorrow chaired by Perak Deputy State Secretary (Development) Puan Halizah Sipun.
A briefing report will be presented to the state executive council meeting following the investigation.
Saarani will issue a statement after the exco meeting tomorrow.
When asked about water safety, he noted initial reports of dead fish indicating pollution at that time.
“Based on initial information, there were reports of dead fish, which indicates there was pollution at that time,” he said.
“We will receive further information from the state health department tomorrow.”
The Department of Environment identified three mining operations in the area two days ago.
The affected area involves a rare earth element mining site and two tin mining sites.
A photo showing the unusually blue waters at Kampung Sungai Papan bridge went viral on social media on October 21. – Bernama
