Environment Ministry: Water from only 10 rivers drinkable

KUALA LUMPUR: Water from only 2% of the 473 rivers in the country are drinkable without any treatment.

Deputy Natural Resources and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Dr James Dawos Mamit told Parliament the 10-odd rivers were categorised under Class 1, which refers to a standard of river water that is clean enough to drink.

He did not name the rivers.

"The number comprises 2% of the total 473 rivers in which quality is monitored by the Department of Environment (DoE). This is based on records from the department in 2013," he said during question time.

He said the 10 rivers were part of the 275 rivers classified under Class 2 (rivers which are considered clean.)

"This means that 58.1% of our rivers are clean. We must always be careful and ensure that the quality of water in the 275 rivers are always maintained," he said.

On The Star's frontpage report on the annual 300,000 tonnes of garbage being thrown into rivers, James said the Drainage and Irrigation Department (DID) had built catchments to stop the thrash from flowing into the sea.

"The collection of garbage from rivers is also carried out by the local authorities and the DoE.

"The DoE and DID monitors cases of organic waste or toxic materials being channelled into rivers and their reports will be forwarded to the Attorney-General for action," he said.

James added that 23,000 tonnes of solid waste and garbage were generated from Malaysians daily.

It was reported by The Star that about 300,000 tonnes of garbage, enough to fill 110 Olympic-sized swimming pools, are being dumped into rivers yearly and the constant pollution is adding to the prolonged water shortage.