QuickCheck: Did the water in Sungai Perak recently turn a bluish-green hue?
Authorities in Malaysia are investigating the mysterious bluish-green discoloration of the Perak River, which has been accompanied by reports of dead fish. While officials suspect a natural mineral reaction, they have advised the public to avoid using the water until laboratory tests are complete.
Why it matters
Environmental anomalies involving water quality pose immediate risks to local ecosystems and public health, requiring urgent investigation.
Social media has been abuzz with videos and pictures of the water in the Perak River changing colour.
While the sight of turquoise-like water might seem like a tropical dream, the presence of dead fish in the water may spark some concern.
That said, is it true that a stretch of Sungai Perak near Kampung Bukit Amarikan recently turned a greenish-blue hue?
According to the Perak Minerals and Geoscience Department, a full laboratory analysis is being conducted on water from Sungai Perak near Kampung Bukit Amarikan in Gerik that turned a greenish-blue hue.
However, its director Nizarulikram Abdul Rahim said they were waiting for the laboratory findings before coming to any conclusion for the change in water colour.
He said there is a possibility the discoloration may be a natural phenomenon due to the mixing of river waters and sunlight reflecting off naturally occurring minerals.
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