IPOH, Oct 23 — The Perak Department of Environment (DOE) has collected water samples from Sungai Perak near the Kampung Sungai Papan Bridge in Gerik following a report of the river turning blue, suspected to be caused by pollution.

Its director Datuk Dr Mohammad Ezanni Mat Salleh said the investigation is ongoing, and the samples will be analysed to determine the cause.

“We suspect that mining activities may be involved, but the exact cause will be confirmed once the analysis is complete,” he said, adding that the department is also investigating nearby mining areas located between 19 to 40 kilometres from the site.

Mohammad Ezanni assured that the river’s water quality remains safe and does not pose a risk to local residents. 

He added that the DOE’s monitoring station in the area has not detected any pollution alerts, and recent monitoring on Oct 9 confirmed the water quality was good.

He added that the DOE’s monitoring station in the area has not detected any pollution alerts, and recent monitoring on Oct 9 confirmed the water quality was good.

He further urged the public to report any unusual changes in water colour or fish deaths to assist in the investigation.