IPOH: The cause of the bluish hue seen in Sungai Perak near Gerik has yet to be confirmed but there is no evidence linking it directly to mining activities at the moment, says Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad.
The Perak Mentri Besar said records show that similar cases of river water turning blue were reported as far back as 2018 in almost the same area, well before the rare earth element (REE) mining industry began operations in the state.
He said investigations at the time suggested that the phenomenon coincided with periods of unusually heavy rainfall.
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"The Minerals and Geoscience Department also said that Hulu Perak is naturally rich in minerals such as tin ore, copper, manganese, arsenic and pyrite.
"During heavy rain, minerals in the soil can be carried into the river, potentially affecting its colour," he said in his Budget 2026 winding-up speech at the state assembly sitting on Tuesday (Dec 2).
The state's 2026 budget of RM1.61bil was unanimously approved.
On Oct 21, a video went viral on social media regarding the water at Sungai Perak near Kampung Sungai Papan in Gerik turning blue.
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On Nov 5, Saarani said the government had ordered the three mining operations near the site to temporarily halt activities pending investigations.
Saarani said that with the abundance of minerals there, the water's blue appearance could be the result of sunlight refracting through mineral-laden water.
He also said a task force comprising the relevant technical departments has been set up to investigate the issue.
"We will take stern action if violations are detected.
"Atom Malaysia will conduct a comprehensive analysis to measure actual radioactivity levels at the REE mining project site," he added.
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On the total royalties from the export of rare earth carbonate (REC), Saarani said the state had collected RM71.58mil from 20,336.80 metric tonnes of the material, from February 2023 to July this year.
He said the state government imposed a royalty rate of 12% on the sales value of REC.
"This rate is higher compared to other exported minerals, reflecting the high global market value of REE materials.
"Royalties are calculated based on the weight of REC exported, measured in metric tonnes," he said.