KUALA LUMPUR: Average river water quality in Malaysia saw a slight dip last year as the number of polluted rivers in the country increased slightly, says the Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Ministry.
It revealed that the number of rivers categorised as clean dropped to 468 at the end of the year, a decline from 486 recorded at the end of 2024, out of 672 rivers monitored.
Worryingly, it noted in a parliamentary written reply dated Monday (Jan 26), the number of rivers with Class III moderate water quality increased from 161 (24%) in 2024 to 171 (25%) in 2025.
The number of rivers detected at Class IV (slightly polluted) levels also rose to 33 (5%) last year, compared to the 25 (4%) reported in 2024.
Fortunately, there were still no Class V (polluted) level rivers recorded in 2025.
"The sectors contributing to the deterioration of river water quality are not limited to the industrial sector alone.
"Other sectors such as livestock farming, agriculture, urban development, mining and commercial activities that either lack effluent treatment systems or have inadequate sewage treatment have also had an impact.
"Small-scale activities such as untreated wastewater discharge from wet markets, restaurants or food outlets, laundries, and car wash centres have also contributed to river pollution," it said.
The ministry added it has begun taking both immediate and long-term measures to counter this worrying trend of river pollution.
They include strengthening environmental legislation and enforcement, and expanding early warning pollution and quality monitoring systems.
It said it was also reviewing regulations for water pollution control and water quality standards as a long-term strategy.
Datuk Seri Sh Mohmed Puzi Sh Ali (BN-Pekan) wanted to know the number of polluted rivers across the country currently, and the government's efforts to resolve the issue.
