Water quality study proposed for Hulu Perak river basin

HULU PERAK RIVER, RUI RIVER, IPOH, PERAK, 29 AUGUST 2026 —

Malaysia to Study Water Quality Degradation in Hulu Perak River Using TMDL Approach

Senior Environmental Control Officer at JAS Perak, S. Pravin, stated that the study would provide the technical data required by the state government to make informed decisions and develop structured measures to control pollution or material load increases at source levels.

The TMDL study is not limited to mining activities but will identify all possible sources along the river and the responsible agencies or parties.

“We have proposed the TMDL study for Hulu Perak. Through this study, we can map all sources along the river, not just mining activities, and identify the responsible agencies,” Pravin said.

JAS has briefed the Perak Water Resources Management Board (LPSA), which is expected to prepare a working paper to secure funding for the study.

Pravin noted that the need for a more comprehensive assessment was prompted by similar incidents recorded in 2018 and 2019, though they were not thoroughly documented at the time.

“There may have been similar incidents before, but they were not well-documented. Now, with the latest reports, we have clearer findings,” he said.

The TMDL approach is to avoid attributing incidents directly to a single activity without understanding the actual contributions from each source in the catchment area.

Dr. Abdul Rani Abdullah, Chief Executive Officer of Pakar Scieno TW Sdn Bhd, emphasized the need for a thorough audit of mining companies in Hulu Perak to detect weaknesses in water management and waste disposal systems.

“This audit should include a gap analysis to ensure that proper management systems are implemented. First, a comprehensive audit with clear terms of reference is needed to identify what should have been done but wasn’t,” he said.

Dr. Abdul Rani also recommended real-time monitoring through telemetry systems to strengthen control over activities that could harm the river.

Previously, Pakar Scieno TW’s study proposed implementing audits, management plans, and automated monitoring systems to enhance river protection.

Meanwhile, Director of the Perak Department of Minerals and Geoscience (JMG), Nizarulikram Abdul Rahim, announced that the telemetry system is expected to be completed by the end of this year. This system will enable faster detection of water quality changes and direct data transmission to relevant agencies.

He added that JMG is closely monitoring mining activities in the area, including using drones to assess conditions from the air.

The combination of the TMDL study, premise audits, and real-time monitoring will allow for earlier identification of changes or non-compliance, helping the state government determine control measures based on data.

Related: Pakar Scieno TW Sdn Bhd