IPOH, Sept 19 (Bernama) -- The Perak Department of Mineral and Geoscience (JMG) will present its feedback and study report on the water colour changes and alleged pollution in Sungai Rui, Gerik to the state government next week.
Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad said JMG's technical team was deployed to the site over the past two days to conduct sampling and a detailed investigation following new complaints from local residents.
“Changes in water colour can occur due to natural factors or chemical reactions between minerals. Any further action will be decided based on verified laboratory test reports.
“We ask the public not to panic or speculate because the Mineral Department is on the ground conducting the study, he told reporters after officiating the Karnival Mesra Anak Muda (KAMU) 2026 at Stadium Indera Mulia here today.
On Sept 16, several parties urged the state government to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the Sungai Rui and Sungai Perak basins after residents raised concerns about water colour changes and potential heavy metal contamination, such as arsenic.
Meanwhile, Saarani said the state government's priority is to ensure water quality remains safe and aquatic resources in the river do not pose health risks to the public.
He assured the state government would not hesitate to take strict action, including halting activities if water samples reveal dangerous arsenic concentrations, as it has done before.
Touching on KAMU, Saarani expressed satisfaction with the response to the fifth edition of the carnival, which saw higher participation and a wider variety of events than previous years.
He added that side events like concerts attract youth, but the core objective remains to deliver useful information and beneficial activities inside the stadium.
“We hope visitors will not only enjoy the outdoor entertainment but also step inside the stadium to gain valuable information and share it with others,” he said.
-- BERNAMA