By: Zaki Salleh
IPOH – The Federal Government has been urged to intervene immediately in the issue of river pollution in Perak, which is alleged to contain high levels of arsenic and heavy metals.
Parti Bangsa Malaysia (PBM) Environment Bureau chairman, Abdul Razak Ismail, said the party believes that there appears to be a lack of control in ensuring the safety of the affected rivers.
He said minerals such as manganese, iron, lead and copper were also reportedly present and could pose a danger to humans if the pollution continues.
He alleged that relevant agencies, including the Department of Environment (DOE), Department of Mineral and Geoscience Malaysia (JMG), Department of Fisheries and Ministry of Health (MOH), had yet to provide a detailed explanation regarding the source of the pollution.
“The Task Force established by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES) following investigations on November 26 and 27, 2025, has also yet to announce its findings.
“It has been almost 10 months, but to date there has been no clear update on the findings of the Task Force,” he said in a statement today.
Abdul Razak said the situation had become more worrying after thousands of fish were reportedly found dead following the Perak River turning blue recently.
He also raised the findings of a Ministry of Health study involving residents of Kampung Air Ganda and Kampung Padang, Gerik, in 2019, which allegedly showed symptoms associated with arsenic poisoning.
He said following the findings, the Air Ganda Water Treatment Plant (WTP) was ordered to be closed by the National Water Services Commission (SPAN) and has remained closed to date.
“Recurring pollution has affected the livelihoods of more than 300 inland fishermen who depend on catches from the river.
“Catches have continued to decline, while there are also claims that several species of river fish have become increasingly scarce or extinct.
“PBM urges Putrajaya to immediately take over the management of this issue to ensure that more effective mitigation measures are implemented and that the pollution does not continue to recur,” he said.
