IPOH: The report on the cause of the bluish hue seen on Sungai Perak near Kampung Sungai Papan in Gerik will be released on Monday (Oct 27), says Perak environment committee chairman Teh Kok Lim.
He said investigations are still ongoing.
“I will compile all the findings and hope to release a comprehensive report to all.
“The agencies involved include the Minerals and Geoscience Department (JMG), Department of Environment (DOE) and the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID),” he told reporters after opening the Green Tech Perak Programme 2025 on Saturday (Oct 25).
He added that the water no longer appears bluish, but the source still needs to be identified.
“This is the first time such an incident has occurred at the location,” he said.
Earlier it was reported that the Perak Environment Department (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 that the investigation is ongoing and the samples will be analysed to determine the cause.
He added that mining activities is suspected to be involved, but the exact cause will be confirmed once the analysis is complete.
Meanwhile, Perak Department of Mineral and Geoscience (JMG) director Nizarulikram Abdul Rahim said their investigation found that the river water had returned to normal the following day, with no evidence of pollution.
On Tuesday (Oct 21), a video went viral on social media regarding the water at Sungai Perak near Kampung Sungai Papan in Gerik turning blue.
On the programme, he said the state government reaffirms its commitment in ensuring that development and sustainability go hand-in-hand.
“This programme is not just about planting trees; it represents a long-term effort that values each of your contributions to restore nature's balance, protect our ecosystems and ensure a greener future for generations to come,” he said.
He added that about 100 rainforest trees of various species would be planted across Sultan Azlan Shah Roundabout.
These included emergent species such as Mersawa Durian, Keruing Kipas and Kapur.
It also includes canopy and fruit-bearing species like Pokok Ipoh, Jering and Perah as well as understorey species like Rambai Tikus and Tempinis.
