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THE unusual blue discolouration observed in Sungai Perak within the Gerik parliamentary constituency is believed to be influenced by the presence of heavy metals or specific chemical substances, possibly originating from mining activities in the area, according to initial observations by a special task force.
Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Datuk Seri Arthur Joseph Kurup said the preliminary assessment was based on early field observations conducted by the multi-agency task force formed to investigate the incident.
“Additionally, land clearing for other activities could also have contributed to the incident due to the geological characteristics of the Hulu Perak area, which is known to have a high mineral content,” he said.
“However, determining the definitive cause will still require confirmation through laboratory analysis and further evaluation,” he added in a written parliamentary reply published on Parliament’s website today.
The issue first drew public attention in October 2025 when images and videos of Sungai Perak turning blue in the Gerik area went viral on social media, raising concerns over water quality, safety and potential health risks to local residents.
In response, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability activated a task force on Nov 26 and 27, involving technical agencies including the Department of Minerals and Geoscience, the Department of Environment, the Atomic Energy Department, the Chemistry Department of Malaysia, the Malaysian Nuclear Agency and the Department of Irrigation and Drainage.
The task force carried out site inspections, investigations into possible sources of pollution and river water quality sampling in the affected areas.
State-level agencies under the Perak government were also involved, including the Perak Land and Mines Office, the State Economic Planning Unit, the Hulu Perak District and Land Office and the Perak Water Board.
Addressing long-term measures, Arthur said the ministry would continue to strengthen governance and regulatory oversight of mining activities under its jurisdiction through stricter enforcement of regulations and standard operating procedures.
He said this includes ensuring compliance with Environmental Impact Assessment conditions issued by the Department of Environment and tightening requirements related to mine effluent treatment management.
“It also involves erosion and sediment control measures under the approval of Mining Operation Schemes issued by the Department of Minerals and Geoscience,” he said.
The minister stressed that these measures are essential to prevent similar incidents in the future and to safeguard river ecosystems and public health. - January 21, 2026