Fish deaths in Sungai Perak under investigation, says state exco

IPOH, Oct 7 — The Department of Environment (DOE) is investigating the cause of a recent fish die-off in Sungai Perak near Sayong, Kuala Kangsar, according to Perak Science, Environment and Green Technology Committee chairman Teh Kok Lim. While the state government has not ruled out the possibility of waste discharged from a nearby palm oil mill being the cause, a thorough DOE investigation is necessary to establish the actual reason.

Teh Kok Lim stated that the DOE is gathering evidence and conducting sample-matching tests to determine the cause. "We suspect (the palm oil mill waste discharge), but there must be strong evidence before the matter can be brought to court," he told reporters during the Perak Innovation Convention 2026 at Stadium Indera Mulia. Previously, social media posts showed dead fish, including tengalan, baung, and patin, prompting concerns over water pollution and its impact on the ecosystem and the livelihood of inland fishermen.