State authorities in Perak have confirmed that Sungai Perak remains safe for recreational use despite recent reports of localized discoloration along the river. The river, observed to exhibit a greenish-blue tint in certain stretches, continues to meet safety standards according to water quality assessments.

Perak environment committee chairman Teh Kok Lim issued a statement explaining that extensive water testing classified Sungai Perak under Class II of the Water Quality Index. This classification indicates that the river is suitable for fishing, recreational activities, and as a raw water source with proper conventional treatment. The state’s Environment Department will continue to enforce regulations under the Environmental Quality Act to prevent pollution from industrial and other sources.

The unusual coloration was attributed to heavy surface runoff in the Hulu Perak region, which experienced rainfall volumes nearly twice the seasonal average. The increased runoff carried mineral deposits, including copper, iron, aluminium, and silica, into the river system. According to Teh, these fine mineral particles interact with light under specific flow conditions, resulting in the river’s blue hue.

Water quality in Sungai Perak is monitored regularly through eight manual testing stations that conduct six rounds of testing annually. Additionally, an automated station linked to the Environmental Quality Monitoring Programme System provides continuous oversight of key water quality indicators.

To ensure the long-term health of Sungai Perak, Perak officials are considering a series of measures. Planned initiatives include conducting a Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) study for both Sungai Perak and Sungai Rui to identify pollution thresholds. The establishment of a state-level task force aimed at coordinating enforcement across agencies is also under review, along with expanding real-time water quality monitoring locations online. Furthermore, the authorities intend to develop stricter mining guidelines aligned with international best practices to reduce environmental impact on the river basin.

These efforts reflect ongoing commitments to maintain water safety and environmental standards amid natural and anthropogenic challenges affecting the river ecosystem.