{
  "id": 4057568,
  "title": "Study proposed to identify pollution sources in Hulu Perak",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/28/study-proposed-to-identify-pollution-sources-in-hulu-perak",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-28T23:40:22.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2026/08/1521041/study-proposed-identify-pollution-sources-hulu-perak"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "IPOH - The Department of Environment (DOE) in Perak is proposing a total maximum daily load (TMDL) study for the Hulu Perak area to pinpoint and map potential sources of elevated mineral levels in Sungai Rui. Senior environmental control officer S. Pravin explained that this study would provide vital technical data to the state government for making informed decisions and implementing stronger pollution control measures. With a management board already established under the Perak government, the DOE has proposed the TMDL study for Hulu Perak, aiming to map all sources along the river, not just mining activities, and identify responsible agencies. Pravin informed the Perak Water Resources Management Board about the proposal, which is expected to prepare a working paper to secure funding. The need for a more comprehensive assessment arises from similar incidents recorded in 2018 and 2019, previously undocumented. Pravin also noted that while the recent blue water phenomenon had relatively high copper levels, these were not confined to the RHT area but spread along Sungai Rui. Unusually heavy rainfall in late October last year, reaching 90mm, may have washed minerals from exposed areas into the river, contributing to the elevated readings. Pravin assured that loma fish from the area remain safe for consumption, with current levels within permissible limits. Large-scale mining activities have been subject to Environmental Impact Assessment requirements since 2015, allowing for mitigation measures to be identified and implemented before mining activities commence. The DOE's monitoring showed that identified sources remain under control, and any new mining proposals in Hulu Perak should undergo a comprehensive assessment to evaluate the cumulative effects of activities in the area.",
  "summary": "IPOH: The Department of Environment (DOE) is proposing a total maximum daily load (TMDL) study for Hulu Perak to identify and map potential sources contributing to elevated mineral levels in Sungai Rui.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "New Straits Times",
        "title": "JMG: No compromise on Hulu Perak mining violations",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/28/jmg-no-compromise-on-hulu-perak-mining-violations",
        "published": "2026-08-28T23:01:13.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}