Kuala lumpur: Twenty-seven rivers, accounting for four percent of the 672 major rivers monitored across the nation in 2024, have been identified as polluted, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof announced.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Department of Environment’s (DOE) report indicates that of the 672 rivers, 475 (71 percent) were classified as clean, while 170 rivers (25 percent) fell into the moderately polluted category. Fadillah, who also serves as the Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation, identified key pollutants such as Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), Ammonia Nitrogen (AN), Total Suspended Solids (TSS), and Dissolved Oxygen (DO).

The Deputy Prime Minister assured that while no rivers are at level five, indicating severe pollution, some still require attention. “We want to ensure that river water is not only suitable for recreational activities but, most importantly, safe for consumption,” he stated after chairing the Special Committee to Address Deterioration of River Water Quality (JKKAS) meeting.

Fadillah also highlighted a proposal from the meeting for state authorities to enforce new standards for wastewater effluent discharges, informed by a study by the National Water Research Institute (NAHRIM). This encompasses 11 primary parameters, such as pH, BOD, COD, suspended solids, oil and grease, nitrogen, mercury, color, and solid waste.

Additionally, the meeting resolved that the Ministry of Housing and Local Government (KPKT) would organize a workshop to outline standards for drainage water discharge into river basins. This initiative will involve various agencies, particularly local authorities managing drainage systems.

Fadillah suggested that state governments adopt NAHRIM-developed technologies, including suspended load extractors, oil and grease traps using IoT technology, and the Intriguard system for demarcating river reserves to curb external pollution.

“The implementation of this strategic step is expected to significantly improve river water quality, ensure environmental sustainability, safeguard public health, and support the country’s economic development in tackling climate change and global pollution challenges,” he concluded.