{
  "id": 3937920,
  "title": "'Sg Perak's blue hue likely due to minerals, heavy rain'",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/28/sg-peraks-blue-hue-likely-due-to-minerals-heavy-rain",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-28T10:21:05.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2026/08/1520788/sg-peraks-blue-hue-likely-due-minerals-heavy-rain"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "IPOH - A short segment of the Perak River recently turned a striking blue, catching the eye of locals and sparking curiosity about the cause. Environmental scientist Professor Dr Abdul Rani Abdullah of Scieno TW Sdn Bhd explained that the unusual colouration was likely due to a mix of minerals, heavy rainfall, and changes in the river's flow. Rani, an expert in environmental science and organic chemistry, emphasized that the phenomenon was not solely the result of mining activities, but rather a combination of various factors. The river's natural mineral content and the impact of heavy rain combined to create the blue hue. Rani highlighted that the river's flow slows down at certain stretches, allowing minerals to accumulate and contribute to the blue appearance. While the colour change may have seemed alarming, Rani reassured that the water quality remained suitable for conventional treatment processes and safe for agricultural use. He stressed, however, that river water should never be consumed directly.",
  "summary": "IPOH: A short stretch of Sungai Perak recently took on an unusual blue hue, drawing attention and raising questions about what was happening beneath the river surface.",
  "key_points": [
    "Perak River turned striking blue due to minerals, heavy rain, and altered flow.",
    "Environmental scientist Dr Abdul Rani explained the colour change is not from mining.",
    "River's minerals and rain created safe water for treatment and agriculture."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}