KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 21 — Twenty-seven rivers, or 4 per cent of the 672 major rivers monitored nationwide last year, were found to be polluted, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof.
He said, based on a report by the Environment Department (DOE), of the 672 rivers, 475 or 71 per cent were classified as clean, while another 170 or 25 per cent fell into the moderately polluted category.
Fadillah, who is also energy transition and water transformation minister, said the main pollutant parameters identified included biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), ammonia nitrogen, total suspended solids, and dissolved oxygen.
“There are no rivers in the country at level five, which indicates severe (pollution), but several still require attention to ensure they reach a safe level.
“We want to ensure river water is not only (suitable) for people to bathe and enjoy recreational activities but, most importantly, for consumption,” he told reporters after chairing the Special Committee to Address Deterioration of River Water Quality meeting here today.
Meanwhile, Fadillah said the comittee proposed that state authorities enforce new standards for urban and rural wastewater effluent discharges, based on a study by the National Water Research Institute (NAHRIM).
He said it covered 11 main parameters, including pH, BOD, COD, suspended solids, oil and grease, nitrogen, mercury, colour and solid waste.
Fadillah said the committee also agreed the Housing and Local Government Ministry (KPKT) would hold a workshop to outline the standards for drainage water discharge into river basins, involving various agencies, particularly the local authorities responsible for drainage management.
He also suggested state governments adopt locally developed technology by NAHRIM, including suspended load extractors, oil and grease traps using Internet of Things technology and the Intriguard system for marking river reserves to prevent external pollution from entering river basins.
“The implementation of this strategic step is set to significantly improve river water quality, ensure environmental sustainability, safeguard public health, and support the country’s economic development in addressing the challenges of climate change and global pollution,” Fadillah said.
