IPOH: The waters of Sungai Perak stretching from Hulu Perak to Kuala Kangsar remain safe, state Environment Committee Chairman Teh Kok Lim assured the public.
Addressing concerns raised after photos of dead fish near Sayong, Kuala Kangsar, went viral in late September, Teh urged calm while authorities finalise their investigations.
"For the moment, there are no concerns. Everything is still safe," Teh said during a press conference at Stadium Indera Mulia on Tuesday (Oct 6). "The state Environment Department is still investigating the cause. While there is suspicion that the pollution could stem from an oil palm mill, we need concrete proof first."
The Sept 27 incident sparked public alarm, following earlier reports of water discolouration further upstream in Hulu Perak.
When asked about ongoing joint investigations by the Environment Department and the Minerals and Geoscience Department regarding Sungai Rui in Hulu Perak, Teh confirmed that testing remains underway.
"The final report is not out yet," Teh added. "We want the results as quickly as possible, but nothing is concrete for now. We will provide an update as soon as the findings are available."
Teh was speaking after witnessing a strategic partnership document exchange between Digital Perak Corporation and Spark Capital Development during the Perak Innovation Convention.
